Amnesty International has urgently demanded increased protection for civilians in central Myanmar following a horrific nighttime paramotor attack during the Thadingyut Festival of Lights. The attack resulted in the tragic death of over 20 individuals, including children, as explosives were dropped onto a crowd from motorized paragliders.

According to witnesses in Chaung-U Township, the initial explosions occurred around 8 PM during a candlelight vigil held to protest against captive detainees, conscription, and the controversial election planned by military leaders. The first strike alone reportedly claimed the lives of 17 people, including a child under five years old, and left dozens severely injured. A second onslaught followed at around 11 PM.

Eyewitnesses identified the aircraft involved as "paramotors" – single-seat paragliders equipped with small engines, producing a distinct, harsh sound reminiscent of a chainsaw. The UN human rights office has previously issued warnings about these paramotor operations, noting that they often deploy 120mm mortar rounds indiscriminately over populated areas. The same type of aircraft was used in attacks following a major earthquake in March.

The recent incident is part of a disturbing trend of violence in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup. Following the earthquake, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded at least 243 military attacks, including 171 airstrikes, contradicting the military's declared "ceasefire." An airstrike near a church in Sagaing in January 2024, which killed 17 civilians including nine children, has led to calls for a war crime investigation.

Despite international sanctions designed to restrict the military's access to jet fuel, shipments continued to reach Myanmar in 2024 via regional supply chains. The military's increasing use of paramotors raises questions about whether this shift reflects national fuel shortages or a tactical choice.

As the conflict enters its fourth year, the ongoing battles between the military, People’s Defense Forces, and allied ethnic armies continue to displace communities across central and northern Myanmar. Independent assessments indicate that the military now controls only a limited portion of the country, with resistance forces maintaining significant territories and progressing towards Mandalay.

The international community remains deeply concerned about the relentless violence and the blatant disregard for civilian lives, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures and accountability for these ruthless attacks.