Myanmar military airstrike on Rakhine market kills at least 50, rescuers say

A Myanmar military airstrike on a market in the town of Kyauktaw in western Rakhine state killed at least 50 people and injured 58, according to a rescue official and the Arakan Army, the armed group that controls the area. The strike took place on September 28.

The strike

According to Al Jazeera, a military fighter jet dropped two bombs at noon local time, hitting the market, described as the region's main wholesale centre, and an adjacent bridge. Initial figures reported by Al Jazeera on the day of the attack put the toll at at least 33 killed and 36 wounded, citing the Arakan Army and Wai Hun Aung, a senior rescue official in Rakhine.

The toll later rose. "The death toll has reached 50, and 58 people were injured," Wai Hun Aung said, according to AFP, reported by France 24 on September 29. The Arakan Army confirmed the figure of 50 dead and said those killed were "innocent passersby, market vendors, shoppers and cargo loaders." These figures could not be independently verified.

Wai Hun Aung told Al Jazeera: "This is one of the most severe airstrikes in Rakhine." AFP reported that the market was an important trading hub and a lifeline along a river route to India.

Grief in Kyauktaw

France 24 reported that families gathered to collect the dead. Aung Chay, a survivor searching for remains, told AFP: "It breaks my heart to see our people dying." He added: "Civilians are being unjustly murdered, and I can't bear to watch it."

Military response

Myanmar's military did not immediately comment, Al Jazeera reported, and AFP said it was not possible to contact the military for comment. The military has previously said it "strikes only legitimate military targets" and has accused resistance groups of "terrorism," according to Al Jazeera.

Background

Myanmar has been in civil war since the military seized power in a 2021 coup. AFP reported that more than 100,000 people have died in the conflict since the coup. The Arakan Army, which seeks autonomy for Rakhine's ethnic minority, has controlled 14 of the state's 17 townships since launching an offensive in November 2023, according to Al Jazeera. Nearly 500,000 people are displaced in Rakhine, both outlets reported.

Why it matters

A senior rescue official described the attack as one of the most severe airstrikes in Rakhine. It struck a civilian market that served as a key supply point for a region already facing mass displacement, adding to concerns about the toll of air attacks on civilians in areas held by armed groups.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.