Myanmar military airstrike on schools kills 18 students

In Myanmar, a military airstrike targeted two private schools located in Thayet Thapin village, Kyauktaw township, which is under the control of the ethnic Arakan Army. This nighttime bombing, conducted on a Friday, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 18 individuals, the majority of whom were students aged 17 to 18. Alongside the fatalities, more than 20 others suffered injuries during the attack. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the military employed a jet fighter to drop two bombs on the schools, particularly affecting Pyinnyar Pan Khinn and A Myin Thit Private High Schools. The incident, taking place within a region marred by ongoing conflict and military confrontations, has raised significant alarm, especially as access to the area has been severely restricted. Internet and cellphone services have been largely cut off, further complicating the verification of the situation. Despite the dire consequences, the military has not acknowledged carrying out any attacks in the vicinity. Those in the rescue operations have described the chaos that followed the strike, highlighting that at least six houses were damaged and 21 individuals were injured, six of whom sustained critical injuries. This airstrike occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021, which led to widespread anti-government uprisings. As the military government intensifies its operations targeting various resistance factions, airstrikes have emerged as a common tactic against groups fighting for democracy and autonomy. The armed forces, particularly the Arakan Army, which actively seeks greater autonomy for the Rakhine state, have fortified their position in the region, contesting the military's authority and control. The rising number of civilian casualties during such attacks raises significant ethical and humanitarian questions regarding military actions in conflict zones. Reports indicate that since the coup, security forces have led to the deaths of over 7,200 individuals in various operations across the country. The situation in Rakhine has been particularly acute, where ongoing clashes between military factions and pro-democracy forces have compounded the risks faced by civilians, especially students who are often caught in the crossfire of these violent confrontations.