By Ra Wai / MPA
It has been reported that the Buddha statues inside a Chinese temple in Lashio were destroyed as a result of an airstrike conducted by the State Administration Council (SAC) Army.
Starting shortly after 2:00 AM today (4 October), SAC Army carried out four airstrikes using fighter jets. Two of the strikes hit the Guanyin Temple located in Lashio’s no.5 ward, causing extensive damage to the temple’s structure, according to a statement released by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
“SAC Army is now consistently targeting the public in Lashio. This level of aggression raises the question of whether China and the international community are deliberately turning a blind eye to SAC Army’s actions or even supporting them,” a resistance fighter based in Lashio told MPA.
The MNDAA also reported that SAC’s forces targeted an unfinished building in Lashio’s no.8 ward in two separate airstrikes.
One civilian was reportedly injured as a result of the attack.
“It is terrifying in Lashio at night now. No one can sleep soundly,” the source added.
The MNDAA had earlier announced that since September, SAC Army has launched what it calls a counteroffensive operation, conducting airstrikes across the country without regard for civilian lives or property and they also conducted frequent airstrikes on Lashio in late September.
On 18 September, the MNDAA reaffirmed its statement of calling for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. However, following this statement posted on its Facebook page, the junta has continued its airstrikes on Lashio on 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30 September and today (3) of October.







