An airstrike by Myanmar’s army on a village under the control of an armed ethnic minority group has resulted in a tragic loss of life and destruction. The attack took place in Kyauk Ni Maw village on Ramree island, an area controlled by the ethnic Arakan Army in western Rakhine state. Reports indicate that approximately 40 people were killed, with at least 20 others sustaining injuries. The bombing triggered a fire that engulfed hundreds of houses in the village.
The military has not officially acknowledged the attack, and due to limited communication access in the area, the situation in the village remains difficult to verify independently. The Arakan Army spokesperson confirmed that a jet fighter bombed the village, resulting in the deaths of civilians, including women and children. The spokesperson also mentioned that more than 500 houses were destroyed in the fire caused by the airstrike.
Myanmar has been plagued by violence since the military seized power in February 2021, leading to widespread unrest and armed resistance against the ruling junta. The Arakan Army, a well-equipped military faction representing the Rakhine ethnic minority, has been engaged in a campaign for greater autonomy from the central government. The recent airstrike in Kyauk Ni Maw village is part of the escalating conflict between the military and various armed groups across the country.
The military government has intensified airstrikes on pro-democracy forces and armed ethnic minority groups in recent years, exacerbating the already volatile situation in Myanmar. The Arakan Army's offensive in Rakhine state has seen significant territorial gains, posing a challenge to the military's control in the region.
The tragic incident in Kyauk Ni Maw village underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for an end to violence and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
