Airstrike on busy tea shop in Myanmar, 18 killed

The Myanmar junta is carrying out a series of airstrikes to suppress the rebels.

At least 18 people have been killed in airstrikes in Myanmar. The South China Morning Post reported this information on Saturday (December 6) citing the AFP news agency. AFP confirmed the casualties in the airstrike after speaking to a local official, a rescue worker and two residents.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a bloody civil war since a military coup in 2021, which is still ongoing. Airstrikes are frequent in clashes between the military and various armed opposition groups, and in most cases, civilians are killed in these attacks.

A local administration official said that two bombs were dropped on Tabayin Township in Sagaing Region on Friday evening. One of the bombs hit a busy tea shop. He said that 18 people were killed and 20 were injured in the attack.

He added, “The number of casualties is high because the tea shop was crowded.” All the informants requested anonymity for security reasons.

A rescue worker said he arrived at the scene 15 minutes after the attack. Seven of the victims died on the spot and the rest died after being taken to hospital.

He said the tea shop and at least a dozen nearby houses were “completely destroyed” in the airstrike.

Meanwhile, early voting for Myanmar’s elections for citizens abroad began on Saturday. Some voters were seen casting their ballots at the Myanmar embassy in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Myanmar’s junta, which has been rocked by civil war, is seeking to consolidate power by holding national elections. Voting is scheduled to take place in several phases later this month.