[Today's Prayer] Myanmar military bombs villages occupied by rebels in western Rakhine State… More than 40 civilians killed

Myanmar's military regime bombed villages occupied by rebels in western Rakhine State, killing more than 40 civilians.

The Associated Press and local media outlet Myanmar Now reported on the 10th that the Myanmar military conducted an airstrike on Kyauknimo village on Ramly Island in Rakhine State, controlled by the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA), on the 8th, killing at least 41 civilians, as announced by local relief organizations and rescue teams.

The airstrike caused a large fire, destroying more than 500 houses and a market, and injuring about 50 people.

The Arakan Army also told the AP that more than 40 civilians, including children and women, were killed and more than 20 were injured by the Myanmar military's fighter jets.

A volunteer told Myanmar Now that "two fighter jets dropped bombs on several places, killing many people."

(Omitted)

The Arakan Army, which has been clashing with the military with the goal of gaining autonomy for Rakhine State, is fighting the Myanmar military not only in Rakhine State but also in Shan State in the northeastern region bordering China. In October 2023, they formed the 'Brothers' Alliance' with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and began a large-scale joint attack against the military government in Shan State.

Afterwards, they joined forces with the Civil Defense Force (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG), the interim government of the democratic camp, and launched a nationwide offensive, putting the military government in danger. The Myanmar military, which was on the defensive, strengthened air strikes using fighter jets. In addition to rebel military facilities, they also indiscriminately bombed civilian areas, resulting in a sharp increase in civilian casualties.

Source: Yonhap News

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

We hear news that many civilians have been killed and injured by the Myanmar government forces’ airstrikes on rebel villages.

As the Myanmar civil war continues for the fourth year, many souls have lost their lives and become refugees.

Lord, please have mercy on the government forces and Arakan forces who are focusing on things of the earth and killing each other mercilessly. May you lead the government forces and rebels to look to the eternal kingdom of God.

May they seek their homeland in the kingdom of God, not here on earth.

Lord, you took all the heavy yoke of the young people of Myanmar and are calling on the young people of Myanmar to come to you. May they respond to your calling. The yoke the world gives them is burdensome, but may the young people of Myanmar experience how the yoke of Jesus is so light. May true freedom and life come upon them!

Lord, please send more evangelists to Myanmar from among the ASEAN Church and the global church, and let the gospel be preached to all the souls in Myanmar! May all the young people of Myanmar rise up and give their lives to the Lord with the hope of the eternal kingdom of God! May they rise up as disciples and follow the ASEAN Highway to fulfill the Lord’s command!