BANGKOK: The Chinese consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar, was targeted with an explosive device, according to local media reports on Saturday. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The explosion occurred at the consulate office in central Mandalay, near the Royal Palace, around 7 PM on Friday (12:30 GMT). Myanmar has been experiencing turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, the junta attributed the attack to “terrorists” and announced that it is investigating the incident in coordination with consulate officials.
The statement noted that security measures are being heightened in response to the blast, which caused damage to approximately two feet of clay tiles on the roof of the two-story building.
A Myanmar official in Mandalay confirmed to AFP that there had been an incident at the Chinese consulate compound, but no injuries were reported. The nature of the incident was not specified.
The Irrawaddy outlet mentioned that a grenade may have been thrown at the compound, which is typically guarded by Myanmar’s security forces. Meanwhile, the Voice of Myanmar reported an unidentified “explosion” without providing further details.
