A devastating bombing targeted a gathering of anti-junta rebels in Myanmar's Magway region, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, including a child, and leaving 25 others injured.

According to reports from Radio Free Asia (RFA) citing residents and members of anti-junta armed groups, the airstrike was launched by junta forces while rebels convened at a Buddhist monastery in the Magway region. Kaw Lin, a resident of the area, recounted the tragic events, stating that a child was among those killed in the attack on Thursday morning in Ah Ki Pan Pa Lun village. The assault involved fire bombs targeting the Buddhist monastery, resulting in the deaths of as many as 11 to 12 individuals.

Efforts to treat the injured are underway by aid groups, although rescuers have expressed concerns that the death toll may rise as many individuals remain missing, and bodies are yet to be recovered from the scene. Distressing images circulated online depict rebel fighters and residents amidst smoke and rubble, collecting body parts amidst the aftermath of the bombing. The severity of the attack is evident from the disfigured bodies, burned structures, and scattered debris captured in the photos.

Despite attempts to obtain further details from junta officials, including spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zhao Min Tun and the Magway regional spokesman, no responses were received. The central arid region of Myanmar, comprising Sagaing, Magway, and Mandalay regions, has emerged as a stronghold of resistance against the junta, particularly among the majority ethnic Burman community.