ISTANBUL

At least eight civilians were killed and eight others injured in an air attack by the army in Myanmar on a market area in northern Shan State, according to media reports Saturday.

The attack was carried out in the town of Hsenwi in the Lashio region, the Irrawaddy newspaper reported.

Hsenwi came under control of the armed rebel group, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), last year.

At least 38 civilians were killed in the Lashio region between July 3 and July 19 as the army and armed rebel groups engaged in fighting.

In February 2021, Myanmar’s army overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power in a military coup.

The country fell into deep social, political and economic turmoil as the army conducted brutal campaigns against perceived opponents.

Since October, fighting between the military and armed opposition groups has intensified and spread to most of Myanmar.

More than 2.8 million people in the war-torn country are displaced, while at least 18 million require humanitarian aid, according to UN agencies.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar