NAYPYITAW, Oct 8 (Reuters): A 30-year-old protester was taking part in a gathering against Myanmar's ruling junta on a festival day in the central region of Sagaing on Monday when he heard the distinctive noise of fan blades cutting through the air.

Minutes later, explosives were dropped by a motorised paraglider, also known as a paramotor.

"I was thrown away," said the protester, asking not to be named for fear of retribution from the junta.

"Initially, I thought the whole lower part of my body had been severed. I touched it and I realized the legs are still there."

At least 20 people were killed in the attack by the junta, according to the eyewitness, Amnesty International, the shadow National Unity Government and an armed resistance group in the area.

It is also the latest instance of Myanmar's well-armed military using paramotors as part of its widening range of aerial weaponry, including aircraft and drones, deployed in an expanding civil war.

A spokesperson for Myanmar's junta did not respond to calls seeking comment. The military has previously rejected accusations that it targets civilians.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said it was deeply disturbed by reports of the attack.

"We urge the military regime to cease its violence and bombing civilians, release all unjustly detained prisoners, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and begin genuine dialogue with opposition groups," the spokesperson said.

The Southeast Asian nation has been gripped by protests and a nationwide armed rebellion since 2021 following the military's ouster of an elected civilian government.

Photo from Arab News