Myanmar Air Strike Kills at Least 17 in Rakhine

The strike targeted Yoe Ngu village in Ponnagyun township, about 33 kilometres northeast of the state capital Sittwe, on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arakan Army (AA) and a local volunteer group. The AA said 15 others were wounded in the attack.

However, Pyae Phyo Naing, chairman of the Ponnagyun Youths Association, said 18 deaths and 16 injuries had been confirmed. He described the aftermath as devastating, with several buildings burned and bodies scattered across the area.

Myanmar has been gripped by civil war since the military seized power five years ago, triggering nationwide armed resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic armed organisations.

Rakhine state, largely controlled by the AA, has been heavily affected by fighting. The region remains under military blockade and frequent air strikes.

Aid agencies have warned of worsening humanitarian conditions in the state, citing rising hunger and malnutrition amid conflict and cuts to international assistance.

The military could not immediately be reached for comment.