Nearly 80 civilians, including Buddhist monks have been killed and more than 100 others injured in Sagaing Region

Photo- MFP 

PUBLIC MYANMAR NEWS – December 23, 2025

Presented by Ko Saw

Nearly 80 civilians, including Buddhist monks, have been killed and more than 100 others injured in Sagaing Region over just nine days due to intensified junta airstrikes, according to ground resistance sources.

Between December 12 and December 21, the military carried out widespread aerial attacks across multiple townships, including Banmauk, Kawlin, Shwebo, Wetlet, Khin-U, Kantbalu, Kyunhla, and Taze. Reports indicate between 20 and nearly 80 airstrikes during this short period.

Among the deadliest incidents were a bombing of a tea shop in Depayin Township, airstrikes on civilians attempting to flee conflict zones by crossing the Ayeyarwady River, and repeated attacks along the Shwebo–Myitkyina strategic road, including fuel stations and nearby villages in Khin-U Township. These attacks alone reportedly killed more than 40 displaced civilians.

Photo- MFP 

Among the deadliest incidents were a bombing of a tea shop in Depayin Township, airstrikes on civilians attempting to flee conflict zones by crossing the Ayeyarwady River, and repeated attacks along the Shwebo–Myitkyina strategic road, including fuel stations and nearby villages in Khin-U Township. These attacks alone reportedly killed more than 40 displaced civilians.

A source close to frontline resistance groups told Public Myanmar News that airstrikes intensified continuously between December 12 and December 18.

Photo- MFP

The source said that after the bombing of a tea shop in Depayin Township, the situation worsened when civilians attempting to flee toward Sagaing, including those gathered along the Ayeyarwady River near the Shwebo–Myitkyina road junction, were also targeted by airstrikes.

“That was the worst moment. Fighter jets, drones, and paramotors were all used to carry out relentless bombardments. This has gone far beyond inhumane—it has crossed every possible line,” the source said.

“Because of these airstrikes, we are determined to continue resisting until the military commission forces are completely eliminated from the ground.”

Meanwhile, a resistance air-monitoring source said the military has increasingly relied on aerial attacks regardless of time or circumstances.

“Fighter jets are used the most, but we are also seeing increased use of gyrocopters and paramotors. There is no fixed schedule—attacks are carried out day and night,” the source said.

“Sometimes there are ground clashes, but even when there are none, the military deliberately conducts airstrikes.”

Photo- Social Media 

Ground military analysts noted that while the junta continues to deploy conventional fighter jets for bombing runs, it has expanded the use of lower-cost aircraft, including gyrocopters and paramotor-type motorized paragliders, beginning in early 2025, to sustain frequent aerial assaults.

An independent research group, Nyan Lin Thit, documented 78 airstrikes across 11 townships in Sagaing Region between December 12 and 18 alone.

According to the National Unity Government, the junta carried out 42 airstrikes in Sagaing in November, and more than 4,200 air attacks nationwide over the past five years, killing at least 4,470 civilians.

Edit- Public Myanmar News