At least 19 students were killed in western Rakhine State after a Myanmar military air strike, the Arakan Army (AA) confirmed. The attack also left 22 others injured.
Attack on Schools in Kyauktaw
The strike hit two private high schools in Kyauktaw township shortly after midnight on Friday. Many of the victims were asleep when the bombs struck.
Escalating Conflict in Rakhine
The Arakan Army has been battling Myanmar’s military for control of Rakhine. Over the past year, the group has gained ground, intensifying clashes in the region.
This local conflict adds to the wider unrest that began after the 2021 coup, when the military removed Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government.
Children Among the Dead
Victims ranged in age from 15 to 21, underscoring the tragic toll on young people and families. The AA expressed deep sorrow, saying it shared in the grief of the victims’ relatives.
Civilian Casualties Mount
Rights groups have long accused the military of striking civilian areas with air and artillery attacks. International bodies, including UNICEF, have condemned the violence, stressing that children continue to pay the highest price.
Meanwhile, the junta faces mounting resistance nationwide as ethnic armed groups and local militias push back against military rule.
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