WCC condemns violence against communities in Myanmar

The World Council of Churches (WCC) condemns military strikes against civilians and civilian areas in Myanmar.

On 10 February, the military launched an air strike on the village of Tlangkhua, Chin State, Myanmar, a predominantly Mennonite village. The bomb killed six people instantly and seriously injured many others.

Most of the victims were part of the Mennonite World Conference member church in Myanmar, the Bible Missionary Church. Among the dead were the deacon, the treasurer, and two youth leaders. Eleven church members needed emergency medical treatment. A church building was under construction close to where the bomb was dropped.

The bombing is part of a larger pattern of attacks on civilians, including an attack on neighbouring Matupi township on 9 February.

Airstrikes have hit more than 1,000 civilian locations in 15 months, according to data from the Myanmar Peace Monitor. Since late 2024, air attacks have killed at least 1,728 civilians.

WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay condemned the violence against civilians. “These ongoing attacks are grave violations of international law, of human dignity and the sanctity of life,” said Pillay. “We express our deep solidarity with the Mennonite church and with all the suffering communities in Myanmar.”

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