Myanmar’s military denies killing civilians in a hospital air strike that killed over 30, calling the victims “terrorists” amid UN war crime allegations.
YANGON: Myanmar’s military junta has denied killing civilians in a hospital air strike that reportedly left more than 30 people dead.
The ruling junta stated that “those killed or injured were not civilians, but terrorists and their supporters,” according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar.
A military jet bombed the general hospital in Mrauk-U in western Rakhine state late on Wednesday, according to two aid workers.
The United Nations demanded an investigation on Thursday, stating the attack could constitute a war crime.
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health workers and patients were killed.
He added that “hospital infrastructure was severely damaged, with operating rooms and the main inpatient ward completely destroyed.”
The ethnic Arakan Army, which controls almost all of Rakhine state, said 33 people were killed and 76 wounded.
The junta said it “carried out necessary security measures” against buildings used as a base by Arakan Army and People’s Defence Force “terrorists.”
Conflict monitors say the junta has increased air strikes year-on-year since the civil war began following its 2021 coup.
