In a tragic incident, Myanmar's military has been accused of launching an airstrike on a camp for displaced persons in the northern state of Kachin. The attack occurred late Monday and resulted in the death of over 30 people, including 13 children, according to a human rights group and local media. The airstrike also left around 60 people wounded. The targeted camp, known as the Mung Lai Hkyet displacement camp, is located in the northern part of Laiza, a town that houses the headquarters of the rebel Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The spokesperson for Kachin Human Rights Watch condemned the attack, stating, "We strongly condemn this inhumane killing.

This action causes resentment among the Kachin people." Details surrounding the attack remain unclear, as it occurred suddenly late at night. While some reports suggest that the airstrike was carried out by jet fighters, other unverified sources claim that it may have been executed using drones or artillery. Independent confirmation of the incident is challenging due to the ongoing conflict and limited accessibility to the affected area. However, videos shared by media sympathetic to the Kachin show the aftermath of the attack, depicting lifeless bodies and destroyed structures. This devastating incident is another grim reminder of the escalating violence and turmoil that Myanmar has experienced since the military coup in February 2021.

Since then, widespread popular opposition against the military rule has led to armed resistance and armed pro-democracy forces, such as the Peoples Defense Forces, emerging. The military government has responded with increased airstrikes, targeting both armed guerrilla forces and ethnic minority groups fighting for autonomy. Despite the military's claim of only targeting armed forces and facilities, civilians have repeatedly borne the brunt of these attacks. Churches, schools, and other civilian structures have been hit, resulting in the death and injury of innocent individuals.

The Kachin, as one of the stronger ethnic rebel groups, have been particularly targeted by the military's aerial assaults. This latest attack, which has yet to be acknowledged by the military government, occurred just days before an event in the capital, Naypyitaw, marking the eighth anniversary of a ceasefire agreement between the previous military-backed government and eight ethnic rebel armies.

Notably, the Kachin and the Wa, among other larger ethnic rebel armies, refused to sign this ceasefire agreement. The international community must condemn such acts of violence and urge for immediate measures to protect the lives and rights of civilians in Myanmar. The continuous targeting of displacement camps and civilian areas is a clear violation of human rights and hinders the prospects of peace and stability in the country.