Dozens killed in horror paraglider bombing raid at major Myanmar festival

At least 24 people have been killed while protesting Myanmar's military government after a paraglider dropped two bombs on the crowd.

Around 100 people - who had gathered in Chaung U township in central Myanmar on Monday to celebrate the Thadingyut, the end of Buddhist Lent - were the target of the government's bombs.

Myanmar's military junta seized power in 2021, triggering a civil war. The army lost control of more than half of the country, but is now snatching back territory thanks to its pounding airstrikes.

The area targeted is a key battleground in the conflict with armed resistance groups - volunteer militias established after the coup, known collectively as the People's Defence Force (PDF).

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They also run local administration in the areas of their control. One official reported the attack during Monday's gathering to BBC Burmese.

Officials tried to stop the protests, but the assault was rapid, with the bombs being dropped within seven minutes, he said.

The man said he was also hurt in the explosion, sustaining injuries to his leg, but he also witnessed people near him being killed.

There was difficulty identifying the bodies following the hideous attack, locals told the broadcaster.

"Children were completely torn apart," a woman who had helped to organise the event told AFP. Though she wasn't at the scene, she was present at funerals the following day. She said people were still "collecting body parts".

According to BBC Burmese, the junta has been using paramotors - motorised paragliders - due to a lack of military aircraft.

Amnesty International said the use of the devices to attack civilians was a "disturbing trend" that should serve as a "wake up call that civilians in Myanmar need urgent protection".

Myanmar's ruling warlords have been unable to procure military equipment thanks to crippling international sanctions. However, China and Russia continue to supply advanced drones and military technology, which has sharpened the junta's battlefield capabilities.

The candlelight vigil on Monday was organised as a peaceful protest against military conscription and the upcoming election.

Protesters were also demanding political prisoners be released. One of them, democratically-elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was deposed and jailed after the coup.