Myanmar Junta Airstrike Targets School in Depayin Township, Leaving Dozens Dead and Injured

May 12, 2025 – Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, Myanmar

A devastating airstrike by Myanmar's military junta struck a school in Oe Htein Kwin village, Depayin Township, on Monday morning, resulting in at least 22 fatalities, including 20 students and two teachers, and injuring over 100 others. The attack occurred during a school examination session, with more than 100 students present at the time. The youngest victim was just seven years old. Myanmar Now+3Wikipedia+3AP News+3AP NewsAP News

Local sources report that two bombs were dropped from a MiG-29 fighter jet originating from Meiktila, targeting the school operated by the pro-democracy movement. The National Unity Government (NUG) and local resistance groups assert that there were no armed militants in the area, labeling the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians. AP News+2Wikipedia+2AP News+2AP News+1AP News+1

In response, the NUG condemned the bombing as a war crime and vowed to seek accountability through international legal channels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, emphasizing that schools must be protected even during conflicts. AP News

The junta has denied responsibility, dismissing the reports as "fake news" and claiming that their forces only target threats to peace. However, the attack has drawn widespread international condemnation, with human rights organizations and foreign governments calling for an immediate investigation and accountability. AP News

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of attacks on educational institutions in Myanmar. Since the military coup in 2021, nearly 200 schools have been damaged or destroyed due to airstrikes, shelling, and ground fighting between the military and armed rebel groups. These attacks have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and have disrupted education for thousands of children. The Guardian+1Radio Free Asia+1

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians, especially children, from the ravages of war.