A recent air strike conducted by the Myanmar military in a village market located in the westernmost part of the country resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 17 individuals, according to reports from two local sources provided yesterday.
The nation of Myanmar has been embroiled in a state of civil conflict following the military coup in 2021, which has pitted the military forces against various armed groups from ethnic minorities and pro-democracy fighters.
The Arakan Army, an armed opposition group, stated that 17 “innocent civilians” lost their lives during the airstrike on the Yoe Ngu village market situated in Rakhine state on Tuesday. In contrast, the Ponnagyun Youths Association (PYA), a civilian volunteer organization, reported the death toll to be at 18.
Despite attempts to reach a Myanmar military spokesperson for comment, no response was obtained. PYA chairman Pyae Phyo Naing, who arrived at the strike site shortly after the incident, described the scene as devastating, with four or five buildings burnt down and many others severely damaged.
