Airstrike on market in Myanmar’s Rakhine kills 50
NEW YORK: At least 50 people were killed and 58 others injured in a military airstrike near a crowded market in Kyauktaw township in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.Reports said the attack took place on Monday afternoon while the market was filled with vendors, shoppers and transport workers. The market has more than 200 shops operated by…
NEW YORK: At least 50 people were killed and 58 others injured in a military airstrike near a crowded market in Kyauktaw township in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Reports said the attack took place on Monday afternoon while the market was filled with vendors, shoppers and transport workers. The market has more than 200 shops operated by members of several communities, and women and children were among those killed.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk strongly condemned the strike, saying it raised serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law. He urged all parties to respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions during military operations to protect civilians.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned continuing attacks against civilians and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Rakhine has been severely affected by fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army. Rohingya Muslims and other civilian communities remain particularly vulnerable amid reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances and other serious human rights violations.
Türk also urged Malaysia to halt the planned deportation of Myanmar nationals, warning that those returned could face a real risk of renewed violence and grave human rights abuses.
