Junta bombs rebel territory in western Myanmar, kills children, elderly

[ad_1] A junta jet bombed a rebel-controlled village in western Myanmar on Tuesday, killing greater than a dozen civilians, an official from the Arakan Military, or AA, and residents instructed Radio Free Asia.

The AA, which controls 14 of Rakhine State’s 17 townships, has confronted escalating junta assaults involving airstrikes, village burnings, journey restrictions, and the blocking of important provides resembling meals and medication.

In AA-controlled Rathedaung township, a junta jet bombed Htun Ya Wai village simply after 10 a.m., an individual near the AA instructed RFA.

“13 lifeless … no less than 20 injured, however the numbers might rise,” he stated. “We're nonetheless confirming.”

He recognized the deceased as a two-year-old woman and an 82-year-old lady, whereas the injured included six kids aged between 2 and 10, with the remaining victims starting from 19 to 50 years previous.

The dying toll is more likely to rise, as many individuals are severely injured and despatched to close by clinics and the hospital, he stated, including that many are nonetheless lacking.

“The folks dwelling within the village and close by have utterly fled Htun Ya Wai after the bombing,” stated one resident, who declined to be named for safety causes. “They’re apprehensive one other spherical of bombs are coming, in order that they left.”

Residents instructed RFA that a number of homes had been additionally destroyed, and that the junta had lower web and telecommunications companies in areas managed by the AA.

The AA introduced it had seized full management of Rathedaung Township in March 2024 and has since been administering the realm by its personal governance constructions.

The junta has not launched any data concerning the assault, and calls to junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun went unanswered.

The junta’s newest assault got here a day after it bombed rebel-controlled Tabayin township in Sagaing area, killing no less than 20 kids, two lecturers and injuring others.