9 January 2026 – The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) carried out an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Myin Za village, Gangaw township, Magway Region, earlier in the evening on 7 January.
The airstrike occurred at around 6:36 pm, when a Yak-130 fighter jet that took off from Tada-U Air Base bombed the monastery. Local sources said the jet fired two rocket bombs, directly targeting the site.
One monk and one novice monk were injured in the attack though their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. Several buildings within the monastery compound were damaged and caught fire after being struck by bomb fragments.
Residents reported that the jet approached from the Kalay township side, circled the area, and then carried out the strike. An official from the Gangaw township People’s Defense Force warned that civilians remain at high risk and urged residents to stay alert to further air attacks.
Since 3 January, the SSPC has conducted daily airstrikes in Gangaw township using Y-12 aircraft and jet fighters, resulting in civilian injuries across the area.
In Gangaw District (Yaw region), at least five people have been injured by airstrikes this month. One man from Htilin township later died from his injuries.
Earlier on 7 January, a Y-12 airstrike in Htilin township injured three civilians, including a three-year-old child. One adult male later died, according to local residents.
Gangaw township is also among the areas selected by the SSPC to hold a sham election on 11 January. As the election date approaches, residents reported an increase in indiscriminate airstrikes across the township. – Reporting by Ben
