Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a devastating airstrike late Wednesday night, a major hospital in Mrauk-U, located in conflict-ridden Rakhine state, has been largely destroyed, leaving at least 34 dead, comprising both patients and healthcare personnel. Around 9:13 pm, military aircraft released two bombs, striking the recovery ward directly and damaging the main hospital structure.

The impact obliterated much of the facility, scattering medical instruments and debris throughout the hallways while damaging vehicles in the vicinity. Rescue teams reported that the casualties included 17 men and 17 women, with approximately 80 others suffering various injuries, overwhelming local medical resources.

This hospital was regarded as a critical healthcare source for Rakhine residents, especially as the ongoing civil war had led to the closure of many medical facilities. Recently, volunteer doctors had reestablished services in Mrauk-U, aiming to address urgent health needs.

Since February 2024, Mrauk-U has been under the control of the Arakan Army, which represents the ethnic Rakhine minority. Following a renewed offensive in November 2023, the group has gained control over 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine, marking significant territorial losses for the military since the 2021 coup.

Rakhine, previously known as Arakan, has been a longstanding area of ethnic strife, notably in 2017 when a military crackdown led to the exodus of around 740,000 Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh. Tensions persist between the predominantly Buddhist Rakhine community and the Rohingya, further fueled by ongoing military clashes.

The shadow National Unity Government has condemned the airstrike on the hospital and called for urgent global intervention and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, military officials have not confirmed any operations in the area.

Nearly four years post-coup, Myanmar remains in turmoil. With military elections scheduled for December 28—perceived by many as power preservation tactics—airstrikes and conflicts have escalated across various regions, including those held by pro-democracy groups.

The devastation of Mrauk-U’s hospital adds to the grim narrative of the escalating conflict in Myanmar, further limiting access to safety and medical services for thousands.

#Global News