Myanmar: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations have strongly condemned the Myanmar military’s bombing of a village in the central Sagaing region that killed dozens of people, including children.

The statement from ASEAN came after the Myanmar military confirmed the air attack on a ceremony held by the National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel administration, for a unit of its People’s Defence Force (PDF) militia.

The United Nations, the United States, and others have already condemned the attack by the generals, who seized power from the elected government through a military coup in February 2021.

“ASEAN strongly condemns the reported recent airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar Armed Forces in Pa Zi Gyi village. All forms of violence must end immediately, particularly the use of force against civilians,” the regional bloc noted.

“This would be the only way to create a conducive environment for an inclusive national dialogue to find a sustainable peaceful solution in Myanmar,” the statement added.

According to reports, about 100 people were killed when fighter jets dropped bombs on the community hall.

ASEAN, a 10-member regional bloc that includes Myanmar and has a long-held principle of staying out of its members’ sovereign affairs, is leading diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

The association has previously punished Myanmar for the lack of progress on the peace plan by barring it from the bloc’s summits, but some members have called for tougher action.

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