Myanmar military accused of destroying churches in Chin and Kachin states

The Myanmar military is accused of targeting Christian religious sites in Chin and Kachin states. Reports indicate that on October 9, military jets conducted bombing runs over Mindat in southern Chin State, striking a Presbyterian church compound and destroying the building.

On October 12, soldiers from the 33rd and 88th Light Infantry Divisions reportedly set fire to the Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church and nearby residences in Bhamo Township, Kachin State. Human rights organizations, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide, have condemned these actions as violations of international humanitarian law and religious freedom.

These attacks occur amid renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Myanmar’s military leadership. Recent high-level talks in Naypyitaw and Tokyo have reportedly focused on the release of an American businessman, the shutdown of scam centers, and access to rare-earth mineral deposits, raising questions regarding accountability for human rights abuses.