Three days of Myanmar junta airstrikes in northern Shan and Kachin states have killed at least 12 people, including eight children, according to anti-regime groups.
A Kachin Baptist Convention church in Kone Law village, Momauk Township, was attacked on Friday afternoon, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) reported.
Numerous displaced residents were sheltering in the Kachin State church, which was liberated by the KIA in August. Seven children and a couple were killed and 11 other displaced people were injured, according to the armed group.
“The junta intentionally targeted displaced civilians where no ground clashes had occurred,” KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu told The Irrawaddy.
Videos taken by villagers show dismembered bodies after the airstrike.
A Kachin activist said: “Junta airstrikes frequently target schools, hospitals and religious sites. It violates the Geneva Convention. It is an unforgivable crime.”
After seizing Light Infantry Battalion 437 headquarters, the KIA and its allies took control of Momauk Township in September.
Junta ground forces from Bhamo are trying to retake the township.
Another deadly airstrike was also launched by the junta in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, on November 17.
A junta airstrike targeted Kutkai town on Sunday night, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) reported.
Houses were destroyed and a mother, her baby and a woman were killed. The TNLA said 13 other residents were wounded.
The TNLA seized Kutkai Township in early January and has since faced frequent junta airstrikes.
Nawnghkio, which is held by the TNLA, and Lashio, the northern Shan State capital which was seized by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, have both endured repeated junta airstrikes.
Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica recorded more than 3,290 junta airstrikes across Myanmar by August, killing over 1,700 people.
The group said 445 of the airstrikes targeted religious buildings, schools and hospitals.
