Myanmar Airstrike Kills at Least 19 Students in Rakhine, Arakan Army Says

Yangon: A military junta airstrike in western Myanmar has reportedly killed at least 19 students in Rakhine state, according to the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA). The strike, which occurred just after midnight on Friday, targeted two private high schools in Kyauktaw township.

Agence France-Presse reported that in addition to the fatalities, at least 22 others were wounded, with victims ranging in age from 15 to 21.

The attack comes amid intensifying clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, which in recent months have escalated across Rakhine. Since seizing power in a coup in February 2021, the junta has faced nationwide armed resistance and has repeatedly been accused by human rights groups of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. The targeting of schools marks a particularly grave violation of international humanitarian law, drawing condemnation from global watchdogs and rights organisations.

The Arakan Army, which controls significant portions of Kyauktaw township, released graphic images and accounts of the aftermath. Independent verification has been difficult due to ongoing communication blackouts and media restrictions imposed by the junta, but the reports highlight the severe risks facing civilians as fighting engulfs residential areas, schools, and hospitals.

The Myanmar military has not issued a formal statement on the incident, continuing a pattern of silence in the face of allegations of civilian massacres.

The attack has prompted strong criticism from the United Nations and several Western governments, who have demanded an immediate and independent investigation. Calls are growing for the international community to step up efforts to hold Myanmar’s military regime accountable and to take stronger measures to protect civilians, as the conflict continues to claim innocent lives and deepen the humanitarian crisis across the country.