A Myanmar military air strike on Wednesday evening killed more than 30 people at a hospital in Mrauk-U, news agency AFP reported, citing an aid worker on the scene. The attack hit the general hospital in western Rakhine state, near the Bangladesh border, as the junta intensifies its offensive ahead of elections later this month.
On-site aid worker Wai Hun Aung described the aftermath as “terrible,” confirming at least 31 deaths and warning the toll would likely rise. He said 68 people were injured, with more casualties expected.
20 bodies found
Overnight, at least 20 bodies wrapped in shrouds were seen lying outside the hospital.
The attack is the latest in a series of frequent and deadly aerial strikes targeting armed pro-democracy forces as the country approaches elections scheduled for later this month. The strikes often cause civilian casualties. An air strike last week by Myanmar’s military on a tea shop in the country’s upper-central region of Sagaing killed at least 18 civilians and wounded 20 others.
ALSO READ: Myanmar Tragedy: Football Match Turns To Massacre As Forces Airstrike Hits Tea Shop; 18 Killed
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021, triggering widespread popular opposition. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict.
New attacks in Myanmar
The new attack occurred on December 5, shortly after 8 pm in Mayakan village in Tabayin township, a resident said. The village, about 120 kilometers northwest of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, is better known by its old name of Depayin.