At least 31 people, including patients, were killed and approximately 70 others wounded after Myanmar’s military conducted an air strike on a major hospital in Rakhine state’s Mrauk U township.
The attack occurred late Wednesday, striking the 300-bed hospital that was overwhelmed with patients during ongoing hostilities in the region.
The Arakan Army, a rebel group fighting against the military government, confirmed the strike and reported that the hospital was hit by bombs dropped from a military aircraft. Khine Thu Kha, a spokesman for the Arakan Army, described the situation as “very terrible” and warned that the death toll could rise as more casualties are expected.
Aid workers and witnesses described the scene as devastating, with aid worker Wai Hun Aung noting that most healthcare services across Rakhine have been halted due to continuous fighting. Over 20 shrouded bodies were seen outside the hospital overnight, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war, with fighting intensifying in Rakhine and other regions. The military has announced elections scheduled for December 28, claiming they could help end the conflict. However, rebel groups have vowed to block the vote in territories they control, leading to ongoing violence and instability.
