Dozens of people were killed this week in an airstrike carried out by Myanmar's military in Rakhine state, according to the UN. The attack comes as the country’s civil war approaches its fourth year.

The civilian-led shadow government and the Arakan Army, an ethnic militia advocating for Rakhine’s autonomy, also confirmed the strike, reporting significant casualties. The attack targeted Kyauk Ni Maw village in Yanbye township on Wednesday, destroying approximately 500 homes and claiming over 40 lives, according to statements from the National Unity Government and the UN released late Friday (Jan 10).

Reuters could not independently verify these accounts, and military representatives did not respond to requests for comment. The junta, however, denies allegations of civilian atrocities, insisting its actions are aimed at combating “terrorists.”

The Arakan Army provided a list of 26 Muslim villagers killed in the strike, with 12 others injured. Myanmar has faced ongoing instability since the military coup in 2021 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to widespread protests and an armed uprising across the country.

The UN has called for all parties involved to comply with international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, the Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of Myanmar activists, has urged global governments to impose sanctions on entities supplying aviation fuel to the junta. “Airstrikes will only cease when this support is cut off,” said Mulan, a spokesperson for the campaign.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file