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The Myanmar military has recently launched airstrikes on several locations in Rakhine and Kayah states, targeting clinics, schools and other civilian facilities, killing at least 15 people and triggering a security alert along the Thai border.
An armed group, an aid worker and a human rights watchdog said todaymyanmar The military carried out airstrikes on several locations over the weekend, including a maternity clinic and a school, killing at least 15 people, including an infant.
Reuters reported that the wave of bombings came as Myanmar’s military-backed government is trying to rebuild diplomatic ties after years of isolation and stepping up military operations in an effort to reclaim land seized by rebel groups. Rebel forces currently control large parts of Myanmar.
A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The government has previously said it is waging a legitimate campaign against “terrorists”.
Four townships in Rakhine state in western Myanmar were hit by air strikes yesterday. Fighting has intensified in recent weeks as the Arakan Army, which controls much of Rakhine state, advances towards the state capital Sittwe.
An Arakan Army spokesman and an aid worker said the airstrikes targeted a bridge in Kyauktaw, several locations in Kyaukpyu and Pauktaw, and a makeshift clinic and delivery room in Mrauk-U, an area controlled by the Arakan Army, killing at least 12 people and wounding 32 others.
Aid worker Wai Hun Aung said the one-week-old baby was due to return home the next day, but “she was crushed to death when the building collapsed due to the explosion.” His twin brother and sister survived.
Wei Hong Aung said four more people, including medical staff, died.
An airstrike yesterday hit a school in Loikaw in Myanmar’s Kayah state, bordering Thailand, during classes, killing three students and injuring five others, the Karenni Human Rights Group (KNHRG) said today.
The Thai government said the conflict has spread to the other side of the border, causing damage to homes in Thailand and injuring at least one person. Thai fighter planes started air patrolling.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his government urged Myanmar to proceed with caution to ensure the situation does not affect Thailand.
Summary FAQ
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According to reports, this wave of airstrikes killed at least 15 people, including a one-week-old baby girl, as well as civilians, students and medical workers at attack sites in Rakhine and Kayah states.
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Airstrikes hit Chokotao, Kyaukphyu, Bao Ketu and Mrauk U in Rakhine State, including bridges, makeshift clinics and maternity wards. Local reports said at least 12 people were killed and 32 injured, and some were crushed to death by collapsed buildings.
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An airstrike hit a school in Loikaw, Kayah state, during classes, killing three students and wounding five others. The conflict also spread to the Thai side, causing damage to residential buildings and injuring at least one person. Thailand has sent fighter planes for patrolling.
