In rebel-held Myanmar, civilians face devastating air strikes and a sham election

In rebel-held Myanmar, civilians are fleeing their homes due to intensified air strikes and a ground offensive by the military junta in advance of elections starting December 28th. The military is attempting to recapture territory, leading to widespread displacement in regions like Chin State. Many civilians are seeking refuge in other parts of the state or crossing the border into India, specifically Mizoram state, where they are receiving aid from local villagers. The displaced fear forced participation in the upcoming election and potential repercussions for refusal. The recent offensive is described as the fiercest in over three years, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

On December 12, 2025, Myanmar's military bombed the Mrauk-U Hospital in Rakhine State, a rebel stronghold, killing 34 people and injuring at least 80. The attack, which occurred on International Human Rights Day, is the 67th attack on healthcare facilities in Myanmar this year, according to the World Health Organization. Rebel forces and witnesses described the bombing as a deliberate attack on civilians, with a spokesman for the Arakan Army calling it an "act of terror." The hospital primarily served civilians, and survivors have been moved to another facility. The UN human rights chief has called the attack a possible war crime. The Myanmar junta has not responded to requests for comment.

Dozens were killed in a military strike on a hospital in Mrauk U township, Rakhine state, Myanmar on Wednesday. Reports from an aid worker, a rebel group, a witness, and local media indicate the hospital was struck by bombs dropped from a military aircraft. An aid worker confirmed 31 deaths and 68 wounded, with numbers expected to rise. The Arakan Army, currently battling the junta, stated the hospital was completely destroyed. The UN human rights chief suggested such attacks could constitute war crimes, while the US State Department called for the military government to cease violence against civilians. The junta has not responded to requests for comment.

On December 11, 2025, an air attack by Myanmar's military junta struck a hospital in Rakhine state. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people, including patients and care workers. Dozens more were injured in the incident. The reason for the attack has not been released. The location of the hospital within Rakhine state was not specified in the initial report. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

On December 11, 2025, an air strike by Myanmar's military government hit a 300-bed hospital in Mrauk U township, Rakhine state, killing at least 30 people, including patients, and wounding approximately 70. The Arakan Army, which is battling the government in the region, reported that the hospital was completely destroyed. The attack occurred amidst ongoing conflict in Myanmar following the 2021 coup and intensified fighting in Rakhine state, which has led to the suspension of healthcare services. The hospital was reportedly overflowing with patients at the time of the strike.

At least 34 people were killed and many injured after Myanmar's military conducted air strikes on a hospital in Mrauk-U town, Rakhine state, on Wednesday night. The area is controlled by the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group engaged in ongoing conflict with the military junta since the 2021 coup. The Arakan Army reports that most casualties were patients, accusing the military of deliberately targeting civilians. The military has not commented, though pro-military accounts deny targeting civilians. The strikes occurred as Myanmar prepares for elections later this month, which critics denounce as a sham designed to legitimize the junta's rule amid a civil war and shrinking civil liberties.