A devastating airstrike late Wednesday night destroyed a major medical facility in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, leaving dozens dead and many more injured, according to humanitarian workers and local residents.
The attack struck Mrauk U General Hospital, a large 300-bed facility located in territory controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). Witnesses reported that the airstrike occurred shortly after 9 p.m. local time, sending shockwaves through the historic township of Mrauk U.
Humanitarian volunteer Wai Hun Aung, who arrived at the site shortly after the blast, described scenes of chaos and widespread destruction. He confirmed that at least 31 people had been killed and more than 60 were wounded, warning that the toll was likely to rise as rescue teams worked through the night. Other organizations, including international news outlets, reported similar casualty figures.
The hospital was said to be operating far beyond its normal capacity, as ongoing clashes across Rakhine have forced many smaller clinics to shut down. Photographs shared by local contacts showed collapsed wards, burned medical equipment, and bodies covered in sheets on the hospital grounds. These images have not yet been independently verified.
An AA spokesperson stated that the hospital was “completely demolished” in the attack and accused Myanmar’s military of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. The group condemned the strike as part of a broader pattern of assaults on populated areas.
The Myanmar military authorities have not issued a statement regarding the incident. A number of pro-military social media accounts, however, suggested that the operation was aimed at rebel positions.
International responses were swift. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said attacks on medical facilities could constitute war crimes and urged an impartial investigation. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department called the reports “deeply concerning” and reiterated demands for the protection of civilians.
Wider Conflict and Political Backdrop
The airstrike took place amid intensifying conflict ahead of Myanmar’s planned general election on December 28, 2025, the first since the military seized control in 2021. Analysts and rights advocates have dismissed the upcoming vote as unfree and unrepresentative, noting that several opposition groups-including the AA-intend to block polling in areas under their control.
Data from conflict-monitoring organizations indicates a sharp increase in air operations across Myanmar. Independent researchers estimate that the military has already launched more than 2,100 airstrikes in 2025, marking a significant rise from the previous year.
The Arakan Army, which controls most townships in Rakhine State, has become one of the most formidable opponents of the military regime. Although part of a broader alliance that rose up against the junta in 2023, the AA is currently the only major faction still engaged in active fighting following ceasefire agreements involving other groups.
Myanmar’s civil war, now in its fourth year, continues to displace millions and severely restrict civil freedoms. Human rights organizations report widespread arrests and ongoing crackdowns as authorities attempt to secure control ahead of the election.
