Myanmar Crisis: Civilians Killed in Airstrikes as Rohingya Risk Dangerous Journeys
January 22, 2025
Yangon, Myanmar – Airstrikes conducted by the Myanmar military have killed at least 10 civilians and injured many more in the troubled Rakhine state, according to local authorities and humanitarian organizations.
The airstrikes, which occurred on Saturday in the villages of Patheing Chaung and Done Taw, targeted suspected rebel positions but instead struck civilian homes and a school. Reports indicate that the victims included women and children.
“This is a clear violation of international law and a horrific attack on innocent civilians,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Council. “We condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.”
The airstrikes come amid a broader military offensive against ethnic Rohingya rebels in Rakhine, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people since September 2024. The military claims that the offensive is necessary to restore order and security in the region, but rights groups have accused the government of conducting indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations.
In a related development, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that hundreds of Rohingya people are attempting dangerous boat journeys across the Bay of Bengal in search of safety. Over 200 people have reportedly died or gone missing in these journeys in recent months.
“The Rohingya are desperate to escape the violence and human rights abuses they face in Myanmar,” said an IOM spokesperson. “But these journeys are extremely dangerous, and many people are dying at sea.”
The Myanmar government has been widely criticized for its treatment of the Rohingya, who are denied citizenship and basic human rights. The United Nations has described the military’s actions in Rakhine as “genocide” and called for an international investigation.
The international community has condemned the airstrikes and called on the Myanmar military to end its offensive against civilians and to respect human rights. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting later today to discuss the situation.
Additional Information
- The Myanmar military has denied responsibility for the airstrikes, claiming that they were carried out by rebel groups.
- The Rohingya have been facing persecution in Myanmar for decades, but the latest military offensive has escalated the crisis.
- The international community is providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict.
Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys
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