Myanmar's military has carried out an airstrike on a school operated by pro-democracy forces. The assault has left at least 20 children dead.
An independent media outlet in Myanmar says the attack on Monday targeted a school in the northwestern region of Sagaing.
The report says that at least 20 children and two teachers were killed. It also says that more than 50 others were wounded.
The school was managed by the National Unity Government, which was formed by the pro-democracy forces. Children and teenagers of all ages attended it.
An official from the pro-democracy camp told NHK that the number of casualties is likely to increase in the future, as some people are still missing. The official strongly condemned the military's response.
State-run media outlets have quoted the military as saying that "there was no such bombing attack." The military has claimed that "illegal anti-government media outlets have spread false news."
The military has maintained control over Myanmar since it carried out a coup four years ago. It declared a temporary ceasefire in its battle against the pro-democracy forces, after a major earthquake struck the country in March.
The military later announced that the ceasefire would be extended until May 31. But airstrikes and artillery attacks by the military have reportedly continued in areas affected by the earthquake and elsewhere.