Violence in Myanmar’s Western Rakhine is intensifying, raising fears of a potential civil war. In a recent airstrike on Mrauk-U General Hospital, the military killed 31 people and injured around 70, many critically. The attack, carried out in the middle of the night, completely destroyed the hospital. Most casualties occurred because the hospital was directly targeted, and remaining patients were evacuated to safer locations.
Since the military overthrew the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, it has been suppressing protests and opposition across the country. Tensions have escalated ahead of elections scheduled for December 28, with the military intensifying airstrikes and other operations. Between January and November this year, the military reportedly conducted 2,165 airstrikes nationwide.
Opponents of military rule are calling for a boycott of the upcoming elections. Citizens have been urged to stay indoors and refrain from voting, organizing joint protests to resist the junta’s authority. The continued clashes between military forces and anti-junta groups are heightening concerns over civilian safety and the stability of Myanmar ahead of the polls.