At Least 15 Civilians Killed in Myanmar Junta Airstrikes

At least 15 civilians, including children, have been killed and 32 others injured in airstrikes carried out by Myanmar’s military junta, according to local media reports.

The attacks targeted residential areas, a maternity hospital and a school across four townships in Rakhine and Karenni states, reports said on Monday.

According to a report on the attacks, the military carried out airstrikes on Sunday in the Rakhine State townships of Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Pauktaw and Kyaukphyu. Twelve people were killed in the attacks on populated areas and a maternity hospital.

Separately, an airstrike hit a school in eastern Loikaw, Karenni State, on Saturday, where children had gathered for a nutrition programme during a school holiday. Three children were reportedly killed and eight others injured.

Myanmar has been embroiled in an intensifying civil war since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, ousting the elected government.

Armed ethnic resistance groups and other anti-junta forces have continued fighting the military in several parts of the country.

The situation in Rakhine State remains particularly concerning, with the Rohingya minority having faced years of persecution and violence by the military and other armed groups. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have been forced to flee Myanmar over the years.