Myanmar: Save the Children says army attack killed staffon December 28, 2021 at 5:14 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The charity says two of its workers, both new fathers, are among the 35 bodies found on 24 December.

A burning lorry after the reported attack in Hpruso, eastern Myanmar

Image source, Reuters

International charity Save the Children has confirmed two of its staff members in Myanmar were killed in an attack it blames on the military.

More than 35 bodies, including those of women and children, were found in eastern Kayah state, the charity says.

It said troops had forced people from their cars, arresting some of them and killing others before burning their bodies.

The Myanmar military has denied the claims.

Save the Children said the two staff members killed were “both new fathers working on education for children”. They were travelling home for the holidays after conducting humanitarian work.

In a tweet, the charity called on the UN Security Council to convene and take action to hold those responsible to account.

Following the reported attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the military had to be held accountable. He also called for a ban on arms sales to the Myanmar military.

Mass protests have taken place across Myanmar (also known as Burma) since the military seized control in February.

Elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party are among those detained.

Hundreds of people, including children, have been killed.

Photos showing the aftermath of the attack in Hpruso township have emerged in which the charred remains of vehicles are visible.

Map
Presentational white space

The Karenni National Defence Force, one of the largest of the militias opposing the junta, said the dead were not militia members but civilians seeking refuge from the conflict.

“We were so shocked at seeing that all the dead bodies were different sizes, including children, women and old people,” a commander from group told Reuters news agency.

A spokesman for Myanmar’s military said fighting had broken out in Hpruso on Friday after its troops attempted to stop seven cars driving in a “suspicious way”, according to AFP.

Troops had killed a number of people in the ensuing clash, spokesman Zaw Min Tun told the news agency on Saturday.

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

FA Cup: Blackpool 2-3 Nottingham Forest – highlightson January 17, 2024 at 10:57 pm

Watch highlights as Chris Wood's extra-time winner sees Nottingham Forest win 3-2 at Blackpool to advance to the FA Cup fourth round.Watch highlights as...

Rugby World Cup: Canada could match England up front – Katy Daley-Mcleanon October 31, 2022 at 6:19 am

Canada could match England's forwards dominance in Saturday's World Cup semi-final, says former Red Roses captain Katy Daley-Mclean.Canada could match England's forwards dominance in...

Queen’s hospital donor placed on UK’s Russia sanctions liston April 6, 2022 at 7:46 pm

A major donor to the Edward VII's hospital is on the list of oligarchs sanctioned by the UK over Ukraine.Image source, Mikhail SvetlovA major...

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman not expected at Queen’s funeralon September 18, 2022 at 1:48 pm

Human rights groups had criticised the decision to invite Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler.Image source, ReutersSaudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin...

Morocco wildfires: Toxic smoke and raging blazeson July 15, 2022 at 2:18 pm

Scorching temperatures and drought feed fires in the north of the country.Scorching temperatures and drought feed fires in the north of the country.