Myanmar airstrike kills at least 33 in Rakhine State market

At least 33 people were killed and 36 others injured following an airstrike by the Myanmar military in Kyauktaw, located in Rakhine State. The attack, which occurred near a vital market and an adjacent bridge, was reported by the Arakan Army, a rebel group controlling the region.

Local humanitarian workers and witnesses described a scene of significant destruction, with casualties being recovered from the debris of the market area. The Arakan Army indicated that the death toll could potentially rise. The targeted market serves as a crucial commercial hub for the region, situated along a river that facilitates trade near the border.

The incident occurs amidst the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which has intensified since the 2021 military coup. While the Myanmar government has previously stated that its armed forces exercise maximum moderation to avoid civilian harm, the scale of this strike marks one of the deadliest recent aerial incidents in Rakhine State.