Residents say Myanmar soldiers killed 17 people in 2 villages
PBS NewsHourDec 24, 2022
The Facts
According to the shadow government of the ousted National Unity Government (NUG), over 100 people, including at least 30 children, were killed when Myanmar's military junta bombed a large gathering in rebel-held territory in the north-western Sagaing region on Tuesday.
An anonymous leader of the People's Defense Force (PDF) — a self-proclaimed rebel army — reported that a fighter jet dropped bombs and an Mi-35 helicopter opened fire on the crowd as they celebrated the opening of a new PDF office in Kanbalu's Pa Zi Gyi village.
The Spin
Narrative A
The latest aerial massacre by Myanmar's illegal and illegitimate military rule constitutes a war crime. Until the international community supports the pro-democracy shadow government and provides humanitarian assistance to regions engulfed in conflict, Myanmar's military will continue to step up its aerial offensive to indiscriminately kill civilians, violently suppress resistance to its takeover, and deter a peaceful and democratic transition.
Narrative B
While the loss of life is tragic, due to its commitment to restoring perpetual peace and stability in Myanmar, the junta has no option other than to use lethal force to fight armed insurgents and terrorists trying to destabilize and devastate the country and seize power. Anti-junta armed groups are responsible for at least 5K deaths since 2021, which is why accusing Myanmar's military of committing war crimes is unacceptable.
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