A Myanmar military airstrike on a village in the western Rakhine state killed at least 40 people and injured over 20 others on Wednesday, according to officials and ethnic armed group representatives.
While the military has not confirmed the strike, officials from the Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine militia, and charities reported the toll of the bombing.
Why it Matters
The attack, which targeted Kyauk Ni Maw village on Ramree Island, also sparked a fire that destroyed more than 500 homes, leaving residents in dire need of aid.
The bombardment occurred in an area controlled by the Arakan Army that has been engaged in a long-running battle for autonomy from Myanmar's central government.
What to Know
The exact motive for the attack remains unclear, but the military has frequently targeted ethnic minority groups including the Arakan Army in its ongoing crackdown following the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize holder and former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
These groups, along with pro-democracy militias, have fought back against the military junta's rule, often in joint operations.
Why is the Myanmar Military Carrying Out Airstrikes in Rakhine State?
The region, which has seen long-standing ethnic tensions, was also the site of a violent 2017 military crackdown that drove around 740,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee across the border into Bangladesh.
The village is around 210 miles northwest of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, and was captured by the Arakan Army in March 2023.
Since then, the group has made significant territorial gains, including control of several strategic towns in Rakhine state.
How Much Territory Does the Arakan Army Control?
As of January 2024, the Arakan Army holds most of the region's 17 townships, with only the capital, Sittwe, and a few nearby areas remaining under Myanmar military control.
Reports, including those from Arakan Princess Media, confirmed the airstrike and posted images of residents trying to extinguish the flames that ravaged the village.
A leader of a charity assisting the victims also said at least 41 people had been killed, and over 50 were injured, with many in need of medical supplies.
The charity leader, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, confirmed that the attack targeted the village's market.
What People Are Saying
Khaing Thukha, a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, said the airstrike killed 40 civilians and caused widespread destruction: "All the dead were civilians. Among the dead and injured are women and children."
What Happens Now
As the conflict deepens, local and international calls for an end to the violence continue, though a resolution remains elusive.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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