At least 19 students lost their lives in western Rakhine State, Myanmar, after an air strike carried out by the military hit two private high schools in Kyauktaw township. The incident, which happened just after midnight on Friday, also left 22 others injured.
The students who died were between the ages of 15 and 21 and were asleep in the schools when the attack took place. Local reports indicate that two large bombs, believed to weigh 500 pounds each, were dropped on the compound.
The assault occurred in the middle of ongoing battles between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group that has been fighting for control of the region. Over the past year, the Arakan Army has taken control of parts of Rakhine, further fueling tensions and clashes in the state.
Since the 2021 coup that removed Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Myanmar has faced widespread unrest, with fighting breaking out in different regions. Air and artillery strikes have often been used by the military against both armed groups and civilian areas, raising concerns about the safety of communities caught in the conflict.
International bodies have reacted strongly to the latest attack, describing it as another example of the growing violence in Rakhine where families, especially children, continue to bear the heaviest burden of the war. Communication from Kyauktaw remains limited due to poor internet and phone services, making it difficult to get full details from those directly affected.