A military airstrike in western Myanmar has resulted in 50 fatalities and 58 injuries, according to aid workers. The attack occurred on Monday in Kyauktaw town, Rakhine state, targeting a riverside market. Witnesses described the scene as devastating, with families searching for bodies amidst charred remains. The airstrike is one of the deadliest recent attacks in the ongoing civil war. Local volunteers confirmed the death toll, warning that the final figure may be higher due to bodies lost in fires.
The Arakan Army, an ethnic rebel force controlling the area, stated that those killed were innocent civilians, including market vendors, shoppers, and cargo loaders. The group condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing violence in Rakhine state. Aung Chay, a 49-year-old resident, expressed his anguish, saying, "It breaks my heart to see our people dying." He is still searching for his brother-in-law, believed to be among the victims. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation.
UN rights chief Volker Türk denounced the airstrike, emphasizing the dire situation faced by civilians in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine state. He noted that the country has been plagued by extreme violence and human rights abuses since the 2021 military coup. Türk called for urgent action to address the crisis. The UN has expressed concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians.
The market targeted in the airstrike had become a vital trading hub since the civil war broke out, with a river trade route to India serving as a lifeline. Rakhine state has suffered significantly in the conflict, with nearly 500,000 people displaced, according to UN data. The Arakan Army controls most of the region, while the military maintains a presence in a few urban centers.
Conflict monitor ACLED reported that there have been only 10 air raids targeting civilians with over 30 reported deaths since 2022. Su Mon, a senior analyst, stated that Rakhine has experienced the most mass killings. The military's air wing has been accused of committing atrocities, including attacks on schools and religious festivals, which may constitute war crimes.
The military's offensive in Rakhine has not yielded significant battlefield success, despite efforts to regain control. The conflict has resulted in over 100,000 fatalities since the 2021 coup, according to ACLED estimates. The situation remains dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. International condemnation has mounted, with calls for accountability and an end to the violence.
Families gathered at the scene to claim bodies, which were covered with thin plastic sheeting or placed in plywood coffins. Aung Chay expressed his frustration, saying, "I don’t know where to find his body and whom we should ask for help." The community is in mourning, and the airstrike has sparked widespread outrage. The incident has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
Key points
- The airstrike resulted in 50 fatalities and 58 injuries in Kyauktaw town, Rakhine state.
- The attack has drawn condemnation from the international community, including UN rights chief Volker Türk.
- The conflict in Myanmar has resulted in over 100,000 fatalities and nearly 500,000 displaced people in Rakhine state.
