Myanmar military escalates aerial attacks on civilians, UN report

The United Nations' Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) reported an escalation in war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Myanmar military and various armed groups. In its annual report covering July 2025 to June 2026, the IIMM documented a pattern of deliberate aerial attacks targeting homes, schools, medical facilities, religious buildings, and displacement camps.

Investigators noted a significant increase in these strikes leading up to the military-managed elections held between December 2025 and January 2026. The military has increasingly utilized drones, gyrocopters, and paramotors to conduct low-altitude strikes. In some instances, pilots allegedly cut engines to glide silently toward targets, leaving civilians with little warning.

The report also detailed extensive evidence of arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence within military-run facilities. Additionally, the IIMM highlighted the intensification of conflict in Rakhine State against the Arakan Army and noted that new laws criminalizing criticism of the elections have led to arrests and potential death penalties for social media activity.