Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar Escalates Amid Civil War

Dozens have been killed in a military strike on a hospital in Myanmar's western Rakhine state, with reports indicating at least 31 deaths and 68 wounded. The Mrauk U General Hospital was completely destroyed by bombs dropped from a military aircraft, according to Khine Thu Kha, a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, which is engaged in conflict with the ruling junta.

On-site aid worker Wai Hun Aung described the situation as very terrible, warning that the death toll may rise. Witnesses reported that the hospital was overflowing with patients at the time of the strike, which occurred late on Wednesday.

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, stated that such attacks may constitute a war crime and called for an investigation. The U.S. State Department described the reports as disturbing, urging the military government to cease violence against civilians.

The junta has intensified airstrikes since the start of Myanmar's civil war following a coup in 2021, which overthrew the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Rakhine state is predominantly controlled by the Arakan Army, a powerful opposition group that has gained ground against the junta.

The military is set to hold elections on December 28, which have been widely criticized, while Beijing supports the junta's efforts to restore stability in Myanmar.