The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an investigation into an airstrike on a hospital in Myanmar’s Rakhine state that killed at least 30 people and injured more than 70 others.
Volker Turk said the bombing of Mrauk U General Hospital may amount to a war crime, condemning the attack as “appalling.” The hospital, located in rebel-held Mrauk U township, was struck late Wednesday by bombs dropped from a military aircraft, according to the Arakan Army.
The 300-bed facility was crowded with patients when it was destroyed. Images shared by aid worker Wai Hun Aung showed the hospital in ruins, though Reuters could not immediately verify the photos. Patients have since been moved to safety.
According to international media, Myanmar’s junta did not respond to requests for comment.
The U.S. State Department expressed concern and urged the junta to allow humanitarian access and engage in dialogue with opposition groups. Fighting has intensified across the country since the 2021 coup, with the Arakan Army now controlling most of Rakhine.
Volker Turk said the bombing of Mrauk U General Hospital may amount to a war crime, condemning the attack as “appalling.” The hospital, located in rebel-held Mrauk U township, was struck late Wednesday by bombs dropped from a military aircraft, according to the Arakan Army.
The 300-bed facility was crowded with patients when it was destroyed. Images shared by aid worker Wai Hun Aung showed the hospital in ruins, though Reuters could not immediately verify the photos. Patients have since been moved to safety.
According to international media, Myanmar’s junta did not respond to requests for comment.
The U.S. State Department expressed concern and urged the junta to allow humanitarian access and engage in dialogue with opposition groups. Fighting has intensified across the country since the 2021 coup, with the Arakan Army now controlling most of Rakhine.
