Catholic churches continue to be targeted by attacks in Myanmar
The Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) continues to ignore calls by Catholic leaders to protect places of worship and deliberately attacks churches in Myanmar’s predominantly Christian regions in Kayah state.
The intensified fighting has impacted at least 15 parishes in Loikaw Diocese while at least seven Catholic churches have been hit by artillery shelling and airstrikes. People living in the area are hearing gunfire, airstrikes, and shelling on a daily basis.
According to UCA News, on the 15th of February a building in the compound of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church in Doungankhar, Demoso township, was hit by artillery shelling by the military.
“The extent of damage could not be ascertained as church officials could not reach the place amid ongoing fighting,” a senior clergy explained. The church was also hit by artillery shelling in June 2021.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Doukhu Parish of Loikaw township, previously hit by military airstrikes on the 12th of January, and a bell tower was destroyed, had its windows and pictures of the Way of the Cross destroyed by the Tatmadaw soldiers on the 14th of Fabruary. They have encamped inside the church to use it as a base.
Source: persecution.org
