In a severe escalation of violence, Myanmar’s military junta conducted an aerial bombardment that struck a hospital in Mrauk-U town, Rakhine State, on Wednesday night, resulting in a significant civilian death toll. Local sources confirm at least 34 fatalities, with dozens more injured, many of whom were patients receiving medical care.
The targeted facility lies within a region controlled by the Arakan Army, a prominent ethnic armed organization engaged in prolonged conflict against the military regime. The attack, occurring at approximately 21:00 local time, inflicted extensive damage, photos from the scene reveal collapsed structures, shattered medical equipment, and debris scattered across the compound.
This incident underscores the junta’s intensified reliance on aerial assaults and unconventional tactics, including bomb-dropping paragliders, to reclaim territories lost to ethnic militias. Analysts attribute recent military gains to enhanced technological and equipment support from international allies such as China and Russia.
The regime has refrained from commenting on the hospital strike, which coincides with preparations for the nation’s first general election since the 2021 coup. Pro-military channels on Telegram deny deliberately targeting civilians, asserting operations aim at militant strongholds.
However, Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the Arakan Army, condemned the act as a ‘vicious attack by the terrorist military,’ emphasizing the victims’ non-combatant status and demanding accountability.
Amid the turmoil, the scheduled December 28 election faces widespread skepticism. United Nations human rights expert Tom Andrews labels it a ‘sham election,’ intended to fabricate legitimacy for the junta. Reports indicate arrests of political dissidents and anti-election activists, while ethnic armies and opposition groups boycott the polls, further destabilizing the prospect of peaceful resolution.