Junta Bombing Claims Over Thirty Lives at Myanmar Festival

(MENAFN) At least 32 people lost their lives and more than 50 were wounded when Myanmar’s military junta bombed a Buddhist festival in the country’s northwestern region, according to a local news outlet on Tuesday.

The assault, which occurred on Monday, targeted an anti-regime candlelight vigil near a village in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region. Among the casualties were several children.

"To my knowledge, 32 people were killed, including five from [the non-violent movement and the resistance fighters who protect the area]. The rest are civilians," a local male resident told the news outlet.

The force of the blasts scattered victims’ bodies, complicating efforts to identify the deceased, the resident added.

Minutes after the initial bombing, paragliders dropped two additional bombs in the same area, he said.

The attack struck during Myanmar’s Lighting Festival, a traditional celebration held on the full moon of Thadingyut, the seventh month in the Burmese lunar calendar.

MENAFN08102025000045017169ID1110166029