[Today’s Prayer] Myanmar military junta bombs school during ceasefire… “At least 22 students killed”

The Myanmar military regime carried out an airstrike on rebel-controlled areas during a ceasefire for earthquake recovery, killing 22 people, including students.

According to the Associated Press and local media outlet Myanmar Now on the 13th, the Myanmar military bombed a school run by resistance forces in Depine Township (district) in the central Sagaing region the previous morning, killing 20 students and 2 teachers and injuring over 50 others. It was reported that 15 of the victims were 7-year-old children.

Another source told Myanmar Now that the actual toll could be higher as there are still bodies that have not been recovered.

Sagaing is one of the key strongholds of the resistance forces, and fierce fighting has been taking place between the Myanmar military and rebels.

Sagaing is also an area that suffered extensive damage from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred on March 28.

The junta has made an unusual request for international assistance since the earthquake, but has blocked relief groups' access to rebel-controlled areas such as Sagaing.

The airstrikes came as the military government declared an extension of the ceasefire.

The military government announced on the 6th that it would extend the ceasefire until the 31st to support recovery in earthquake-stricken areas and promote lasting peace and stability.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern through a spokesperson, saying, "This incident occurred despite the junta's announcement of an extension of the ceasefire," and that "it adds to the enormous suffering experienced by the people due to the earthquake."

Pro-junta groups said on social media that the airstrikes had destroyed rebel hideouts.

On the other hand, the NUG side accused the military government of deliberately bombing civilian facilities such as monasteries, schools, and hospitals in an attempt to alienate residents from the resistance movement.

Myanmar's state-run broadcaster MRTV denied the school attack and accused anti-junta media of deliberately spreading fake news.

Source: News

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Lord, we hear the sad news that the military junta in Myanmar has launched airstrikes on rebel-controlled areas during a ceasefire to recover from the earthquake, causing many deaths and injuries.

Before they can recover from the horrors of the earthquake, we ask that You remember the people of Myanmar, who have nowhere to hide or run to, and restore them to the Gospel.

You have ransomed the people of Myanmar with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish and without spot. Let the people of Myanmar be set free by remembering Jesus' unbounded love!

We trust that only the love of Jesus will comfort and restore the suffering people of Myanmar! Let the gospel of life be preached among this people!

In the midst of chaotic politics and stories of the military's failure to honor ceasefire extensions, we trust that You are the only one who can be their Lord and bring peace to this nation! May You, the Lord of all things, come as King of Myanmar and reign over this land! We also pray that the global church will see the people of Myanmar, as Jesus did not ransom us with silver and gold that will perish, so the global church will send those who will heal the spiritual darkness and pain of this people, not only with material things, but with the gospel.

We believe that the people of Myanmar will be restored by the gospel! Let the people of Myanmar rise up to remember the precious blood of Christ and share the love of Jesus among all nations!