Deadly Myanmar conflict leaves children at risk as air strikes hit Sagaing and Rakhine
The United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, has raised alarm over reports of deadly Myanmar air strikes that allegedly killed dozens of civilians this week, including children, as the country’s civil war continues to intensify.
According to local media outlets Myanmar Now and The Irrawaddy, paramotors dropped bombs on a village in the central Sagaing region on Monday. A day later, a fighter jet reportedly carried out another strike in Rakhine state, approximately 320 kilometers west, bringing the reported death toll to at least two dozen people.
The Arakan Army, an armed rebel group fighting Myanmar’s ruling military junta in Rakhine state, said 17 civilians — including children — were killed when a jet bombed a busy village market. Another 14 people were wounded, the group added.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the reports. Myanmar’s military government did not respond to requests for comment.
UNICEF: Children “Bearing the Brunt”
In a statement, UNICEF said it was “deeply alarmed” by the reported attacks and urged all sides in Myanmar’s conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.
“Children and civilians are once again bearing the brunt of escalating hostilities,” the agency said.
“Ongoing clashes continue to displace children and upend their access to vital services, including health care, education, and protection.”
The reported strikes underscore growing concerns about the safety of civilians as the military increases its use of air power, including conventional aircraft, drones, and paramotors — motorized paragliders capable of carrying small bombs.
Escalating Air Power in Myanmar Conflict
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, overthrowing the elected government and triggering nationwide resistance. The armed forces have since battled rebel groups across multiple regions in the ethnically diverse nation of 51 million people.
According to United Nations estimates:
Around 6,800 civilians have been killed
Approximately 3.6 million people displaced
Nearly 40% of the population faces food and aid shortages
This has created one of Asia’s worst humanitarian crises.
Rights groups, the UN, and Western governments have repeatedly accused Myanmar’s military of targeting residential areas, schools, and hospitals. The junta denies the allegations, stating that its operations are aimed at armed groups seeking to destabilize the country.
Khaing Thu Kha, spokesperson for the Arakan Army, rejected claims that civilian casualties were accidental.
“Targeting and bombing civilian sites by the military is no longer an isolated occurrence,” he said.
“We have seen a high frequency of deliberate attacks on civilians.”
As fighting intensifies, international agencies warn that Myanmar’s children remain among the most vulnerable, caught in a widening conflict with limited access to safety, education, and basic humanitarian support.
Source: Arab News