NewsMilitary government air strikes kill 17 in western Myanmar stateWomen and children among those killed and 14 others wounded in air strikes on a village market in Rakhine.

A military air strike conducted by the Myanmar military in Rakhine state resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals and injured 14 others, according to local reports. The incident occurred in Yoengu village, Ponnagyun township, on Tuesday. The attack was part of ongoing conflicts following a military-backed election.

The affected village is situated approximately 33 kilometers (21 miles) northeast of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state. The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic Rakhine armed group opposing the Myanmar military, assumed control of this area in March 2024. The AA reported that 17 civilians, including three children, were killed in the strike, with 15 others injured.

Myanmar, previously known as Burma, has experienced significant political instability since a military coup in 2021. The aftermath included widespread protests advocating for democracy, leading to an armed resistance comprised of democracy activists and ethnic minority groups. This conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of approximately 3.6 million individuals, as reported by the United Nations.

The Rakhine state, also known as Arakan, is among the regions most affected by the conflict. The area is predominantly controlled by the Arakan Army and has faced military blockades and frequent air strikes. A blockade, combined with reduced international aid, has led to increased levels of hunger and malnutrition, as highlighted by the World Food Programme.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.