At least 30 people, including patients, were killed when a military airstrike hit a major hospital in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, witnesses and aid workers reported on Thursday. More than 70 others were injured after bombs struck the Mrauk U General Hospital late Wednesday. Moreover, the facility was completely destroyed, leaving rescuers scrambling to locate survivors under the debris.
The Arakan Army, which controls much of the region and is fighting the ruling junta, confirmed that the hospital took a direct hit. Its spokesperson said the building collapsed instantly due to the intensity of the strike. Additionally, the junta did not respond to requests for comment, even as images circulated online showing the destruction and bodies laid on the ground.
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The attack occurred as Myanmar continues to face intense conflict following the 2021 coup that removed the elected government. The 300-bed hospital was filled with patients because most healthcare services in Rakhine have shut down amid the fighting. Consequently, the strike caused mass casualties, with aid workers describing scenes of chaos as remaining patients were moved to safer locations.
A resident of Mrauk U said he rushed to the scene after hearing explosions and found the hospital engulfed in flames. He reported seeing numerous bodies scattered outside and many people injured. Furthermore, human rights monitors say the junta has increasingly relied on airstrikes, conducting over 2,100 attacks this year alone, surpassing last year’s total.
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The Arakan Army has gained significant ground since the collapse of a ceasefire in 2023, pushing the military out of most of Rakhine’s townships. Mrauk U has been under its control for over a year, with no recent clashes in the area. Therefore, the strike has raised fresh concerns over the junta’s escalating tactics and disregard for civilian spaces.