At least eight people were killed in a shootout that broke out when bombs concealed in packages burst at Myanmar's largest jail on Wednesday, according to state media and a witness.
In a statement shared on social media, an armed anti-junta gang claimed responsibility for the assault at Insein Prison, claiming it was "retaliation against (junta head) Min Aung Hlaing."
"Today, two assaults to kill the jail chief were carried out by the Special Task Agency of Burma (STA). We're taking revenge on Min Aung Hlaing and the jail guards for consistently mistreating our revolutionaries, "It read.
State-owned MRTV reported that "mines within parcels" were to blame for the explosions, which claimed the lives of three jail guards and five visitors while injuring 18 others. A wounded witness reported that gunshots also started after the bombs exploded at the parcel counter.
While others received medical attention at local stores, the critically injured were removed from the jail. According to the media, a number of cases that were supposed to be tried in the court next door were postponed.
Since the coup last year, hundreds of political detainees have been transported to Insein, the nation's most notorious jail.
Activist organisations denounced the assault and demanded that those responsible be "made accountable for their acts."
The STA has carried out multiple attacks, including a raid on the immigration office in Thingyunkyun township in August. The STA is one of many autonomous resistance organisations fighting against the military regime in Myanmar.
Since the military ousted an elected government led by the party of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and began a ruthless crackdown on opposition, Myanmar has been in complete turmoil.
According to the witness, troops in the jail started firing after the explosions.
"I hurried outside as soon as I heard the boom, which is when I was harmed. At the entrance gate, the troops indiscriminately fired rounds "The witness, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, claimed.
They were around 10 feet (3 metres) from the explosions, according to the witness, and were injured by bullet shrapnel rather than the explosions.
While others received medical attention at local stores, the critically injured were removed from the jail. a few instances scheduled to be heard in the court next door were cancelled, according to media.
Thousands of political detainees have been transported to Insein, the nation's most notorious jail, since the coup last year.
The incident was denounced by activist organisations, who demanded that those responsible be "made accountable for their acts."
The STA has carried out multiple attacks, including a raid on the immigration office in Thingyunkyun township in August. It is one among many autonomous resistance organisations fighting against the military regime in Myanmar.