Local Church Invaded by Burmese Army, Boobytrapped with Anti-Personnel Mines

A church in Burma was occupied by the Burmese army and then mined by soldiers, Agenzia Fides reported. 

Redaction (17/09/2022, 3:45 PM, Gaudium Press) The Catholic church of the Mother of God in the town of Moebye in the diocese of Pekhon was occupied by Burmese troops for four days.

The Burmese soldiers occupied the church from September 8 to September 12 to protect themselves against the “People’s Defense Forces,” an armed group that opposes resistance to the army.

On September 13, the army left the church, but in addition to destroying images and furniture and degrading the site, the soldiers scattered anti-personnel mines throughout the building.

“Before leaving (the church) this morning, they filled the building with anti-personnel mines, hiding them everywhere, on the floor, in the pews, behind the holy books, to do harm. These are heinous and disrespectful acts, which we condemn,” said parish priest of the church, Father Julio.

Parishioners and volunteers are doing a careful service in and around the church to deactivate the mines, clean and restore the sacred building.

Fighting around the country

This is not the first time that churches and other religious temples have been targeted for destruction by the army. Churches, convents, and hospitals are not spared by firing or attacks by the military.

Some regions of the country are suffering from intense fighting among the youth of the “Popular Defense Forces” who oppose the army, since the coup d’état in February 2021.

In other regions, however, resistance troops unexpectedly attack Burmese army points. This whole situation creates a climate of tension and insecurity throughout the country.

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Burma is going through a decades long civil war. In February 2021, the Burma army forcibly took control of the country. (FM)

Compiled by Angelica Vecchiato

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