An airstrike by Myanmar’s military government in the western state of Rakhine has killed dozens of people as the Southeast Asian nation’s civil war approaches its fourth year, the United Nations said.
The civilian shadow government and the Arakan Army, an ethnic militia based in Rakhine fighting for the autonomy of the region, also reported the attack had killed dozens.
The junta hit Kyauk Ni Maw village of Yanbye township on Wednesday afternoon, destroying around 500 homes and killing more than 40 people, according to the National Unity Government and a U.N. statement released late on Friday.
‘Combating Terrorists’
Reuters could not immediately verify the reports. A spokesperson for the military did not answer phone calls seeking comment. The junta rejects accusations of committing atrocities against civilians, saying it is combating “terrorists”.
The Arakan Army released the names of 26 Muslim villagers it said were killed and 12 injured in the Myanmar junta airstrike in Rakhine state.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, igniting mass protests that evolved into a widespread armed rebellion on multiple fronts.
The U.N. statement urged all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of Myanmar activists working to cut off revenue to the junta, urged international governments to swiftly sanction entities supplying it with aviation fuel.
“Only when this support stops will the air strikes truly come to an end,” said Mulan, spokesperson for Blood Money Campaign who goes by one name.
Junta Losing Ground
Myanmar’s military junta is increasingly losing ground to resistance forces following its brutal coup in February 2021.
Initially, the junta’s swift seizure of power appeared to consolidate its control, but over the months, it has faced mounting resistance from various armed groups, political organizations, and civil society movements.
The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government formed by ousted elected leaders and ethnic minority groups, has gained momentum in organising a coordinated resistance against the military’s rule.
One of the most significant developments is the rise of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), a guerrilla-style resistance force comprising civilians and former military personnel who have defected.
These forces have become increasingly effective in disrupting military supply lines, ambushing convoys, and capturing strategic outposts.
The PDF is backed by the NUG, which has sought international recognition and support to bolster its fight against the junta.
In addition to these armed resistance groups, protests and civil disobedience campaigns remain widespread.
(With inputs from Reuters)
