International

Myanmar Airstrike Kills 40 in Rakhine State

Written by Jerry Alomatu on January 9, 2025

News Views: 127

A deadly airstrike by Myanmar’s military junta has claimed the lives of at least 40 people in a village in western Rakhine state. The attack, which took place on Wednesday afternoon, targeted Kyauk Ni Maw on Ramree island.

A spokesperson for the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group engaged in an ongoing conflict with Myanmar’s military, reported that the bombing caused widespread destruction, including a fire that consumed over 500 houses.

The military jet strike, which occurred around 1:20 pm local time, resulted in numerous casualties, with initial reports confirming 40 deaths and 20 injuries. A local rescue worker later confirmed that the toll had risen to 41 killed and 52 wounded, though limited resources have hampered relief efforts.

The bombing left behind charred ruins, with residents seen walking through the devastated area amid smoldering debris and stripped trees. The destruction in Kyauk Ni Maw highlights the ongoing violence that has engulfed Myanmar following the military coup in 2021, which ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Rakhine state, where the bombing took place, has been a focal point of conflict between the military and the Arakan Army. The ethnic group has made significant territorial gains in the past year, challenging the military’s authority in the region.

The junta has been accused of using air and artillery strikes to target civilian areas as part of its broader crackdown on resistance groups, including the AA.

Ramree island, which has strategic importance due to its proximity to a planned China-backed deep-sea port, has also been affected by the violence. While the construction of the port is intended to strengthen China’s economic presence in the Indian Ocean, it has been delayed by the ongoing conflict.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar. In November, the UN Development Programme warned that Rakhine was on the brink of famine due to the prolonged fighting.

The UN also reported that over 3.5 million people have been displaced by the violence, and more than a third of the population may need humanitarian aid in 2025.