Myanmar’s military destroyed a Presbyterian church in Chin State in an airstrike on Oct. 9 and burned a Baptist church in Kachin State on Oct. 12, according to Christian advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
Two military jet fighters dropped four bombs on two locations in Mindat, Chin State, at about 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, destroying the Presbyterian church compound. No civilian casualties were reported.
On Oct. 12, soldiers from the military’s 33rd and 88th Light Infantry Divisions set fire to Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church and surrounding homes in Banmaw Township, Kachin State, at about 3:30 p.m., according to CSW’s report.
The attacks come amid ongoing conflict following Myanmar’s February 2021 military coup. Chin and Kachin states are home to predominantly Christian ethnic communities that have faced military operations and displacement.
Mervyn Thomas, founder president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, condemned the destruction of the churches as violations of international humanitarian law and freedom of religion or belief. He urged the international community to take concrete action to restrict the military’s access to aviation fuel and military equipment.
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