Airstrike Devastates Rakhine Hospital, Dozens Killed

An airstrike by Myanmar's ruling junta hit a major hospital in Rakhine's Mrauk U township, killing at least 30 people. The attack completely destroyed the facility, which was filled with patients. The ongoing conflict has heightened since the 2021 coup, with increased airstrikes by military forces.

An airstrike by Myanmar's ruling junta has devastated a major hospital in the Mrauk U township of Rakhine state, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people, including patients. The raid occurred late Wednesday, leaving the hospital demolished and over 70 others injured, according to the Arakan Army and eyewitnesses.

The Mrauk U General Hospital, a 300-bed facility, was obliterated by bombs dropped from military aircraft, as confirmed by Khine Thu Kha, spokesperson for the Arakan Army. The hospital was overwhelmed with patients at the time, as most healthcare in Rakhine has been disrupted by ongoing fighting.

Images shared by aid worker Wai Hun Aung, who witnessed the aftermath, depicted the hospital's ruin — collapsed roofs, shattered structures, and numerous victims. Despite efforts to move remaining patients to safety, the strike underscores the increasing frequency of air assaults by Myanmar's military since the 2021 coup.

(With inputs from agencies.)