Depain, May 12: At least 22 people, including 20 children and two teachers, were killed in airstrikes launched by Myanmar’s military junta on Monday morning, local sources confirmed. The attack targeted a school in Oi Thein Quen village, located roughly 100 kilometers from the epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck in March.

According to eyewitnesses, the assault began around 10 a.m. local time, when fighter jets bombed the school despite attempts by staff to shelter students. A 34-year-old teacher described the scene, saying, “We asked the children to stay, but the fighter jets bombed very quickly.”

Officials in the Sagaing region, one of the hardest-hit areas by the ongoing conflict, confirmed the death toll. The junta, however, has not responded to the allegations.

The military, which seized power in 2021 by overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, has been waging war against ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces ever since. Despite declaring a month-long ceasefire for earthquake recovery efforts, this latest airstrike has cast doubt on the junta’s credibility and raised international concerns over civilian safety in conflict zones.

Myanmar remains embroiled in a deepening civil war, with daily clashes and military offensives continuing across several regions.