Myanmar Junta Airstrike Kills 20 School Children in Sagaing Region

A Myanmar junta airstrike on a school in Sagaing’s Depayin Township killed at least 20 children and two teachers, sparking international outrage and calls for justice.

On May 12, 2025, a devastating airstrike by Myanmar’s military targeted a school in Ohe Htein Twin village, located in Depayin (Tabayin) Township, Sagaing Region. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, including 20 students and two teachers, and injured over 50 others. The youngest victim was just seven years old.

The Myanmar Junta Airstrike occurred around 9:40 a.m. while more than 100 students were attending classes. According to reports from local resistance groups and the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), there were no armed militants present in the village at the time of the attack. The military junta has denied responsibility, labeling the reports as false.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of military air attacks since the 2021 coup, which overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and sparked nationwide unrest and armed resistance. Despite a declared ceasefire to facilitate earthquake relief efforts, the military has continued its operations, leading to international condemnation. AP News

The United Nations and various human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the increasing number of civilian casualties, particularly children, resulting from these airstrikes. They have called for adherence to international humanitarian laws and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and the urgent need for international intervention to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from the escalating violence.