Attack in Myanmar leaves civilians dead, thousands displaced

MINDAT, Myanmar — Myanmar’s army recently attacked two Christian-majority states, killing some people and displacing thousands of others.

Myanmar is predominately Buddhist. The army seized power in a military coup Feb. 1.

On May 15, the army bombarded Mindat in the Christian-majority state of Chin. A United Nations entity said reports indicate civilians were killed in the attack.

Thousands of residents fled to nearby forests. About 2,000 found refuge in churches and camps in other villages, according to sources.

In the Christian-majority Kachin state, at least two people were killed and an estimated 5,000 displaced in recent military airstrikes on as many as nine villages in the region.

An Indian official said more than 15,000 people from Myanmar have crossed into India seeking refuge since Feb. 1.

Myanmar’s army has for years targeted the Christian-majority Kachin, Chin and Karen ethnic groups, as well as the Muslim-majority Rohingya, according to Barnabas Fund.

Myanmar is No. 18 on Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.