At least 34 individuals have lost their lives, with many more injured, following a military airstrike that struck a hospital in western Myanmar on Wednesday night, as reported by ground sources. This tragic incident occurred in Mrauk-U town, located in Rakhine state, an area under the control of the Arakan Army, one of the most formidable ethnic forces opposing the military regime.
Increasing military aggression amid ongoing conflict
The airstrike is part of a broader offensive by Myanmar’s military, which has escalated its aerial bombardments in recent months in an attempt to reclaim territory from ethnic armed groups. Since the military coup in 2021, which ignited a civil war, thousands have died, and millions have been forcibly displaced from their homes.
The military has not released any official statement regarding the recent strikes. However, pro-military channels on Telegram have asserted that the airstrikes were not directed at civilian targets. Khaing Thukha, a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, condemned the attack, stating,
“This is the latest vicious attack by the terrorist military targeting civilian places,”
and stressed that the military should be held accountable for the suffering inflicted on civilians.
According to the health department of the Arakan Army, the airstrike, which occurred around 21:00 local time (14:30 GMT), resulted in the immediate deaths of 10 patients and left many others wounded. Disturbing images circulating on social media depict the aftermath, showcasing damaged sections of the hospital, shattered equipment, and debris scattered throughout the area.
Implications for the upcoming election
The junta has been engaged in a protracted and bloody conflict with ethnic militias, at one point losing control over significant portions of the country. Recently, however, an influx of military technology and support from China and Russia has seemingly shifted the balance in favor of the junta, enabling it to achieve notable victories through extensive airstrikes and heavy bombardments.
Earlier this year, a tragic incident involving a motorized paraglider resulted in the deaths of over 20 people when it dropped bombs on a crowd during a religious festival. The ongoing civil unrest has seen civil liberties sharply decline, with rights organizations estimating tens of thousands of political dissidents currently imprisoned.
Amid this turmoil, Myanmar’s junta has scheduled a general election for December 28, promoting it as a step towards political stability. Critics, however, argue that the election is unlikely to be free or fair, describing it as a means for the junta to legitimize its authority. Tom Andrews, the United Nations’ human rights expert on Myanmar, has labeled the upcoming election a
“sham election.”
In recent weeks, the junta has targeted civilians suspected of undermining the electoral process, including the arrest of a man accused of disseminating anti-election sentiments on Facebook. Furthermore, on Monday, it announced the search for 10 activists linked to anti-election demonstrations. Various ethnic armed groups and opposition factions have publicly declared their intention to boycott the elections, signaling a potential escalation in civil unrest as the date approaches.
Reports indicate that at least one election candidate in the Magway Region of central Myanmar has been detained by an anti-junta faction, highlighting the increasingly volatile environment as the nation grapples with ongoing conflict and political instability.