Durian. Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Thursday issued a chairman statement, condemning air strikes that were launched by Myanmar’s military ruler over Pa Gyi village in Myanmar’s region of Sagaing, killing at least 170 people, including women and children.
The air strikes were launched on Tuesday when around 300 people, mostly Pa Gyi villagers, gathering in a commemoration of an opposition office establishment. It’s still hard to clarify the number of casualties.
“ASEAN strongly condemns the reported recent air strikes carried out by the Myanmar Armed Forces in Pa Zi Gyi Village, Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region of Myanmar that claimed the lives of at least dozens of civilians,” ASEAN said, adding that all forms of violence must end immediately, particularly the use of force against civilians.
Myanmar junta confirmed the air strikes, but blamed opposition for forcing it.
The attack is believed as the biggest attack targeting civilians since the military took over power from elected-democracy government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Suu Kyi and other pro-democracy leaders are still in prisons after arrested shortly following the coup.
ASEAN, where Myanmar is one of its member countries, has been assisting the country to implement the Five-Point Consensus, agreed by Myanmar’s military ruler and the rest of ASEAN member countries.
“We reiterate ASEAN’s commitment to continue assisting Myanmar in seeking a workable and durable solution to the ongoing crisis through promoting the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” ASEAN said in the statement.
