Myanmar's Military Bombs Market in Rakhine, 33 Martyred in Brutal Strike
In a heart-wrenching display of tyranny, Myanmar's military junta has once again shown its disregard for human life. A brutal airstrike on a bustling market in Kyauktaw town of Rakhine state has left 33 innocent civilians martyred and 36 others wounded. The Arakan Army, which controls the area, confirmed the devastating toll, warning that the number of casualties may rise further as rescue efforts continue.
What happened at the Kyauktaw market?
The attack struck around midday on Monday, targeting a market and adjacent bridge in the riverside town of Kyauktaw. A witness, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety, reported seeing more than 30 bodies at the scene. Human remains were scattered among smouldering wreckage, and the roads were left cratered by the bombs. Firefighters battled the flames while the dead were laid out in solemn rows under green plastic sheeting.
Khaing Nu, a 57-year-old woman, recounted her anguish: “When I went to check the place where my younger sister sells fruits at the market, neither the place nor herself were there anymore. I don't even know where to go. I also feel worried for my younger sister's little daughter, who has been left behind. Whenever I think about the future, my heart hurts.”
Why is this attack significant in Myanmar's conflict?
Rakhine state is enduring some of the most dire conditions in Myanmar's civil war, which erupted following the 2021 military coup. The market area, located on the banks of a river crossing the Indian border, had become a vital trade route for a state largely cut off from the rest of Myanmar. With hunger and poverty escalating, this commercial hub was a lifeline for the local population.
Khin Myint Chay, a 49-year-old survivor, described the terror: “When I heard that fighter jets were coming, I crouched and hid near the guard post. A short while later, I heard an explosion. After that, I lost my hearing for a while.”
Who is behind these attacks on civilians?
The Arakan Army controls almost all of Rakhine, save a few urban areas held by the besieged armed forces. However, the military relies on its fleet of Russian and Chinese-made fighter jets to strike from the air. These forces stand accused of committing atrocities against civilians, targeting schools, monasteries, and religious festivals. Rights groups have stated that such attacks may constitute war crimes.
What is the broader human cost of Myanmar's civil war?
The conflict has displaced nearly half a million people in Rakhine alone, according to UN data. Since the 2021 coup that unseated Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, more than 100,000 people have been killed across Myanmar, as reported by the conflict monitor ACLED. The country remains in turmoil, with armed groups like the Arakan Army fighting the military on multiple frontlines.
Wai Hun Aung, referring to Kyauktaw, lamented: “This location is quite far from the fighting and has nothing to do with the conflict.” The airstrike is among the deadliest in Rakhine since an aerial attack on a hospital last December that killed at least 30 people.
Frequently asked questions about the Rakhine airstrike
How many people were killed in the Myanmar market bombing?
At least 33 people were killed and 36 wounded in the military airstrike on a market in Kyauktaw, Rakhine state, according to the Arakan Army.
Why did the Myanmar military bomb a civilian market?
The military has not commented, but it has a history of targeting civilian areas, including schools and hospitals, in its campaign against rebel groups like the Arakan Army.
What is the current situation in Rakhine state?
Rakhine is largely cut off from the rest of Myanmar, with severe hunger and poverty. Nearly half a million people are displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
