Children deprived of education amid regime airstrikes, ‘instability’ claims

By Admin 10 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

10 February 2026, Nay Pyi Taw

The Myanmar military regime, which has repeatedly targeted educational facilities with airstrikes, has claimed that children are losing access to education due to “instability” caused by what it labels terrorist organizations.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made the remarks during a meeting with officials from the Union Election Commission (UEC) in Nay Pyi Taw on February 9.

“Due to the actions of terrorists, regional instability has occurred, forcing basic education schools to close and causing school-aged children to lose many of their opportunities,” he said.

Referring to resistance forces as “terrorists,” the junta leader further alleged that these groups were pursuing self-interest through the production and sale of narcotics and the exploitation of natural resources.

The Myanmar military, which seized power after refusing to recognise the results of the 2020 general election, has carried out a violent crackdown on pro-democracy forces, including mass arrests, killings, and repression.

As democratic forces allied with ethnic armed organizations launched counter-offensives, the regime escalated airstrikes on villages and schools in resistance-controlled areas.

“Whenever they lose on the battlefield, the military bombs villages and schools out of spite. This has been happening consistently,” said a local resident in Sagaing Region. “In resistance-controlled areas, people are still finding alternative ways to educate children despite the constant threat from military airstrikes.”

According to the National Unity Government (NUG), the military regime bombed 240 schools, 96 hospitals and clinics, and 435 religious buildings between 2023 and May 12, 2025.

Sagaing and Magway Regions, along with Kayin, Kayah, Chin, and Arakan States, have recorded the highest numbers of schools destroyed by airstrikes.

“No matter how much the military shifts the blame, the world knows about its war crimes,” said a local man in Arakan State. “They may escape accountability for now, but I believe the people will one day ensure they face justice.”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the military’s targeting of schools and students. In a statement released on September 12, 2025, UNICEF called for an immediate end to violent attacks against children and students nationwide.