A Myanmar military air strike has resulted in the tragic deaths of over 30 people at a hospital in Mrauk-U, located in western Rakhine state. The attack occurred amid a significant offensive by the military in advance of upcoming elections scheduled for later this month.
According to an aid worker, the air strike targeted the general hospital on the evening of December 10, 2025. “The situation is very terrible,” said Wai Hun Aung, who arrived at the scene the next day. As of now, there are confirmed reports of 31 fatalities and at least 68 injured, with fears that the death toll may rise.
Visuals from the aftermath show extensive damage, including a gutted wing of the hospital and numerous bodies. Local resident Maung Bu Chay described the devastating impact of the strike, having lost three family members in the incident. “I have nothing to say. I feel resentful about their act. I feel strong anger and defiance in my heart,” he expressed.
Rakhine state is predominately controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority separatist group, which has been engaged in a conflict following the military coup in 2021. The junta plans to hold elections starting December 28, which it promotes as a means to reduce violence, despite opposition from rebel groups pledging to disrupt the polls.
The military’s increasing air strikes have drawn severe criticism from various conflict monitors. The United Nations has been particularly vocal about condemning the election process, which has been characterized as a step backwards for democracy.
