UN Condemns Myanmar Airstrike That Kills 50 in Rakhine

The United Nations has condemned a deadly Myanmar military airstrike in Rakhine state that reportedly killed 50 people and wounded at least 58 others near the border with Bangladesh.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday that the attack highlighted the continuing dangers facing civilians in Myanmar and showed that conditions remain unsuitable for the safe return of refugees and displaced people.

“This latest airstrike brings that reality into sharp focus,” Dujarric told reporters in New York. Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he said the UN chief strongly condemned the attack and urged all sides to immediately end the violence, protect civilians and comply with international law.

Monday’s strike hit Kyauktaw town, according to the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting Myanmar’s military. Local aid worker Wai Hun Aung confirmed that 50 people were killed and at least 58 wounded, with reports indicating the death toll could rise. Women and children were among those killed.

The UN Human Rights Office said the strikes occurred during a busy period when large numbers of civilians were in and around a market containing more than 200 shops. People from Rakhine, Rohingya, Hindu, Daingnet and other communities were reportedly present.

The attack was described as Rakhine’s deadliest airstrike since a hospital bombing in December killed at least 30 people.

Arakan Army spokesperson Khine Thu Kha accused the military of deliberately targeting markets, schools, homes and other civilian areas. Myanmar authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The military has previously maintained that it takes measures to minimize civilian casualties.

Myanmar has faced nationwide civil war since the military seized power in a 2021 coup. The conflict has killed around 100,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million.

The latest violence came as Malaysia deported about 1,500 Myanmar nationals under a repatriation program criticized by human rights groups. Guterres also called for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access so UN agencies and aid organizations can assist affected communities.