Geneva, Oct 10 (NationPress) The United Nations issued a strong condemnation on Friday regarding a lethal airstrike executed by Myanmar’s military, which resulted in the deaths of at least 24 civilians, including children, during a religious festival in Sagaing Region earlier this week.

This attack is characterized as part of a “disturbing pattern” of indiscriminate violence against civilians perpetrated by the Myanmar military.

The incident occurred on Monday in Chaung-U township, Sagaing Region, where community members had gathered to celebrate a national religious festival. Eyewitnesses reported that a motorized paraglider released two explosives onto the crowd, leading to at least 24 fatalities and injuring over 45 individuals.

In response to this tragedy, the United Nations in Geneva posted on X: “A deadly airstrike in #Myanmar has killed at least 24 civilians, including children, during a religious festival. @UN condemns this indiscriminate attack and demands accountability. Civilians are #NotATarget.”

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric addressed reporters in New York, stating:

“This tragic incident, if verified, would contribute to a disturbing pattern of indiscriminate assaults impacting civilians across the nation. The indiscriminate deployment of aerial munitions is unacceptable. All involved parties in the conflict must adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”

Sagaing Region has been severely affected since the February 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government, leading to the detention of President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The region also endured significant destruction from a major earthquake earlier this year, exacerbating humanitarian needs.

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reports that Sagaing has experienced the highest number of airstrikes and civilian casualties nationwide. From March 28 to May 31, 2025, the region recorded over 108 airstrikes, resulting in at least 89 fatalities.

OHCHR cautioned that the military has increasingly relied on air power, utilizing new paramotor tactics capable of deploying 120mm mortar rounds to target civilian-populated and disaster-affected areas. These attacks have taken place despite the junta's public declarations of temporary ceasefires in April and May intended to facilitate earthquake relief efforts.

The UN has reiterated its call for an end to violence, accountability for war crimes, and the protection of civilians in Myanmar, urging all conflict parties to uphold their international humanitarian and human rights obligations.