JAKARTA: The chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said on Wednesday the bloc “strongly condemns” a military air strike this week on a village in Myanmar, which is reported to have killed up to 100 people including civilians.

“All forms of violence must end immediately, particularly the use of force against civilians,” chair Indonesia said in a statement.

The military air attack struck Kanbalu township in the central Sagaing region early on Tuesday, where hundreds, mostly civilians, had gathered to celebrate the opening of a local administration office under the authority of the shadow National Unity Government.

The junta confirmed the attack late on Tuesday and accused NUG’s armed wing, the People’s Defense Forces, of coercing residents into supporting them.

Infants and the elderly were among those killed in the strike, villagers told Arab News.

“People in the area have never fought against the military, but still I have no idea why the junta launched an attack on the area and killed the people,” Zaw, a resident, said.

Myo, a resident of Pa Zi Gyi, also told Arab News that he lost six family members and relatives in the airstrike.