A military airstrike in Myanmar has killed at least 31 people at a hospital, aid workers reported Thursday, as the junta intensifies its offensive ahead of elections scheduled later this month.
Conflict monitors say airstrikes have surged year-on-year since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, ending a decade-long democratic experiment.
The junta has scheduled polls starting December 28, promoting the vote as a means to de-escalate fighting, but rebel forces have vowed to block elections in areas they control.
The attack targeted the general hospital in Mrauk-U, western Rakhine State, near the Bangladesh border, on Wednesday evening, according to aid worker Wai Hun Aung.
The blast left a wide crater in the hospital grounds and partially felled a large tree outside. Victims’ bodies were later gathered for funerals.
Local carpenter Maung Bu Chay recounted the devastating personal toll. Three members of his family — his wife, daughter-in-law, and her father — were killed in the strike. “I heard the explosion from my village,” the 61-year-old said. “I spent the entire night not knowing where the bombs had landed. When I was informed they were inside the completely destroyed building, I realized they hadn’t survived.”
“I have nothing to say. I feel resentful about their act. I feel strong anger and defiance in my heart,” he added.
The attack underscores the escalating violence in Myanmar, highlighting the humanitarian crisis as the military continues to battle insurgents while preparing for elections under contested legitimacy.
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