Sat Jan 11 07:26:06 UTC 2025: ## UN Condemns Myanmar Air Strikes Killing Dozens in Rakhine State
**Sittwe, Rakhine State** – A devastating air attack by the Myanmar military on the village of Kyauk Ni Maw in Ramree Island township has resulted in the deaths of over 40 people and the destruction of approximately 500 homes, the United Nations announced Friday. The attack, part of escalating violence in Rakhine State, has left women and children among the casualties.
The UN statement attributed to the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar, highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. Fighting has intensified recently, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of the conflict. They face extreme risks, severe food shortages, and a near-total collapse of essential public services.
The UN report corroborates earlier accounts from rescue workers and the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group, which provided a list of at least 26 Muslim villagers killed in the attack. Graphic images obtained by AFP show the devastating aftermath: charred ruins, destroyed homes, and traumatized residents.
Despite repeated accusations of atrocities, the Myanmar military government has remained silent, offering no comment on the incident to international news agencies. The government consistently denies accusations of civilian targeting, claiming its actions are aimed at combating “terrorists.”
The conflict, stemming from the 2021 military coup, continues to rage across Myanmar. Besides the AA, the military is engaged in battles with other armed groups, including the Karen National Union and the Kachin Independence Army, leading to widespread displacement. The UN reports that over 3.5 million people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, a 1.5 million increase from last year.
The UN urged all parties involved to uphold international humanitarian law and guarantee unhindered access for aid delivery to vulnerable populations. The Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of Myanmar activists, called for international sanctions on entities supplying aviation fuel to the military, arguing that ending this support is crucial to stopping the air strikes.
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