Air strikes in Myanmar are raising new fears for civilians, especially children, as fighting continues across the country
The UNICEF says it is deeply concerned by reports that recent military air attacks in Myanmar killed dozens of civilians. The warning comes as the country’s civil war shows no sign of slowing.
At least two dozen people were killed in two separate incidents this week. One attack reportedly involved paramotors dropping bombs on a village in the Sagaing region. Another air strike carried out by a fighter jet in Rakhine State also caused civilian casualties.
The rebel group Arakan Army said 17 civilians, including children, were killed when a busy village market was bombed. The group added that at least 14 others were injured. While these are currently unverified claims, Myanmar’s military government did not respond to requests for comment.
In a statement, UNICEF urged all sides in the conflict to follow international humanitarian law. The agency said children and civilians continue to suffer the most as fighting intensifies, with families displaced and access to healthcare, education, and protection disrupted.
Myanmar has been in crisis since the military seized power in 2021, triggering widespread conflict between the armed forces and resistance groups. The fighting has spread across multiple regions in the country of about 51 million people.
United Nations estimates show the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Around 6,800 civilians have been killed since the conflict began, and roughly 3.6 million people have been displaced. Aid agencies warn that food shortages and limited access to basic services are affecting about 40% of the population.
The military denies targeting civilians and says its operations are aimed at armed groups. However, rights organizations and UN bodies have repeatedly raised concerns about air strikes hitting residential areas, schools, and hospitals.
UNICEF says the reported attacks highlight the urgent need to protect civilians, especially children, as violence escalates.
