The international community has condemned the May 12 attack on a school that killed at least 20 children under age 18, and two teachers, in Ohteintwin village of Depayin Township, Sagaing Region. Depayin is located 40 miles (64 km) north of the Sagaing Region capital Monywa.

“Even in times of armed conflict, schools must be protected,” said Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. 

The Myanmar military, which seized power after the 2021 coup, has denied responsibility for the attack. It claims that it does not attack “non-military targets.”

“On many occasions, the Myanmar military has targeted schools. There have been a countless number of attacks over the last four years that have impacted schools, hospitals, religious sites, all of which receive special protection under international humanitarian law and should not be targeted,” James Rodehaver, the chief of the U.N. Human Rights Myanmar team, told DVB.

The U.S. stated that it was “deeply disturbed” by the attack. “The reported airstrike violates the military regime’s announced ceasefire. We call on the regime to cease violence and engage in dialogue with opposition groups to end the crisis,” said Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.

Following the devastating March 28 earthquake, the regime in Naypyidaw announced a unilateral ceasefire April 2-30. Despite a lapse during the first five days of the month, it was renewed May 6-31. 

“We are horrified over reports of a massacre in a village school in Sagaing [Region]. Perpetrators must be held accountable for this atrocity,” Anitta Hipper, the lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy of the E.U., shared on social media May 14.

“Australia is deeply concerned by reports that a school has been hit by a regime airstrike. We condemn this attack and call on the regime to engage in inclusive dialogue and adhere to its ceasefire commitment,” the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade shared to social media on May 16.

Canada expressed it was “alarmed by the military airstrike,” and urged “the Myanmar military regime to immediately de-escalate violence, protect civilians, and respect international law.”

At least 456 people have been killed and 995 have been injured in 663 air and artillery strikes since March 28 with 524 carried out by regime forces since its ceasefire began on April 2, according to DVB data.