2 Missing From Fairfield-Based Save The Children In Myanmar Attack

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two members of Save the Children staff are missing after an attack in Myanmar that killed dozens on Christmas Eve.

The Associated Press reported government troops in Myanmar rounded up people, killed over 30 and burned their bodies in the Mo So village. Villagers were reportedly headed to refugee camps. Some of the victims are believed to be women and children.

A statement from Fairfield-based humanitarian organization Save the Children confirmed two staff were headed home for the holidays after humanitarian work in a nearby location. The staff were caught up in the attack. The organization said the staff members' private vehicle was attacked and burned. The organization claims troops forced people from cars, arrested some, and killed others before burning their bodies.

One resident of the village told AP the victims in the attack had fled the conflict between the government army and resistance groups and were arrested by troops before the killings.

Save the Children criticized attacks on humanitarian aid staff. The organization works in the U.S. and around the world to meet the needs of children, including during crises.

"We are horrified at the violence carried out against innocent civilians and our staff, who are dedicated humanitarians, supporting millions of children in need across Myanmar," said Inger Ashing, chief executive of Save the Children. "Investigations into the nature of the incident are continuing but attacks against aid workers cannot be tolerated."

The organization temporarily suspended operations in parts of Myanmar but "remain committed to helping the most vulnerable children in Myanmar, especially during this time of conflict and crisis." Save the Children has been providing health and nutrition, education and child protection programs in Myanmar since 1995.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.