Airstrike on Myanmar Hospital Kills 33 Amid Ongoing Military Abuses

ISTANBUL – At least 33 individuals lost their lives and 76 others were wounded, including 27 in critical condition, after military forces launched an airstrike on a public hospital in Myanmar’s Rakhine state on Wednesday. The attack, which occurred in Mrauk-U township, involved a military jet dropping two 500-pound bombs on the facility.

The incident coincided with International Human Rights Day, drawing widespread condemnation. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a body formed by members of Myanmar’s last elected parliament, denounced the bombing, emphasizing that the timing underscored the ongoing violations committed by the military regime.

"We strongly condemn the inhumane actions of the murderous military junta… This action only serves to further highlight the long-standing crimes committed by the military coup," the CRPH stated on social media platform X.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ethnic conflicts and a prolonged civil war, which intensified following the military coup in February 2021. The military ousted the democratically elected National League for Democracy government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and has maintained emergency rule for nearly four years.

In July, the military nominally transferred power to a civilian-led interim administration in preparation for upcoming elections scheduled for December and January; however, the junta leader continues to serve as acting president. This attack is a stark reminder of the persistent violence and instability plaguing the nation.