RAKHINE (Reuters/AP) – Dozens of people were killed in an airstrike by Myanmar’s military government in the western state of Rakhine this week, the United Nations said, as the Southeast Asia nation’s civil war nears its fourth year.
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 UN statement released late on Friday.
Women and children were among those who were killed in Rakhine, according to the statement, which was attributed to the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar.
“Fighting in Rakhine has recently escalated, with civilians paying the highest price of the conflict,” the statement said.
“Civilians face extreme risks, acute food insecurity and a near total collapse of critical public services.”
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.
The Arakan Army released the names of 26 Muslim villagers it said were killed and 12 injured in the attack.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, igniting mass protests that evolved into a widespread armed rebellion on multiple fronts.
The UN 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 airstrikes truly come to an end,” said Mulan, spokesperson for Blood Money Campaign who goes by one name.
Last week, the UN said more than 3.5 million people have been displaced by the conflict in Myanmar – an increase of 1.5 million from last year.