The United Nations children’s agency UNICEF expressed deep concern over recent air strikes in Myanmar that reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including children. Rebel group Arakan Army and local media reported that paramotors dropped bombs on a village in central Sagaing on Monday, while a fighter jet struck a market in Rakhine state the following day, 320 km away, killing at least 17 civilians and wounding 14 others.
Reuters has not independently verified these reports, and the military government did not respond to requests for comment.
UNICEF Urges Protection of Children
UNICEF warned that children continue to bear the brunt of escalating hostilities, calling on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law. “Ongoing clashes continue to displace children and upend their access to vital services, including healthcare, education and protection,” the agency said.
Escalation of Air Power
Conflict in Myanmar intensified after the 2021 military coup, with the army battling multiple rebel groups across the ethnically diverse nation of 51 million. UN estimates indicate around 6,800 civilians killed and 3.6 million displaced, contributing to one of Asia’s worst humanitarian crises, with aid shortages affecting roughly 40% of the population.
The military has significantly expanded its use of air power, employing conventional aircraft, drones, and paramotors crew‑carrying paragliders capable of dropping bombs. Rights groups, the UN, and Western governments accuse the junta of targeting residential areas, schools, and hospitals, allegations it denies, claiming operations target armed groups.
Rebel Response
Arakan Army condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians. “Targeting and bombing civilian sites by the military is no longer an isolated occurrence … We have seen a high frequency of deliberate attacks on civilians,” spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha said, describing the acts as inhumane.
The strikes underscore the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Myanmar, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and protection of civilians in conflict zones.
With information from Reuters.
