Airstrikes in Rakhine kill 7 civilians, including infant, amid escalating conflict on Myanmar children's day

Mizzima

Seven civilians, including a two-month-old infant, were killed in airstrikes on Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) reported on 13 February.

An airstrike on Pitetal Ward in Kyauktaw Township at 9:11 pm on 12 February killed Daw Ma Saw Hla, Daw Aye Nu, U Nyi Chey and Maung Oo San Win, and left nine other civilians injured.

At 9:20 pm, two additional bombs struck a displacement camp in Middle Market Ward, Mrauk-U Township, killing two-month-old Maung Aung Lin Hein and his parents, U Aung Lin and Daw Thandar Soe, and wounding seven other residents, the statement said.

Four of the injured are in critical condition, according to the statement. 

Children in Myanmar are homeless, deprived of education and even dying in schools, a reality far removed from the future envisioned by independence hero Aung San, his grandson U Htein Lin, also known as Kim Aris, said on 13 February, marking General Aung San’s birthday and Myanmar Children’s Day.

An airstrike on Ward No. 3 in Thandwe Township on 8 February injured two people and destroyed nine homes, according to the AA.

The military regime has stepped up airstrikes in Rakhine State in recent days, deploying two or more jet fighters alongside reconnaissance aircraft in coordinated operations, the Arakan Army (AA) said, urging residents to remain vigilant against potential threats from both air and sea.