40 killed in Myanmar military air attack in Rakhine 

At least 40 people were killed in an air strike by Myanmar's military government in the western state of Rakhine this week.

The United Nations said this in a statement late on Friday.

According to the statement, the UN said that military government forces hit Kyauk Ni Maw, a village in Ramree island township, killing more than 40 people and destroying about 500 homes.

Women and children were among those who were killed in Rakhine, according to the statement, which was attributed to the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar.

“Fighting in Rakhine has recently escalated, with civilians paying the highest price of the conflict,” the statement said.

“Civilians face extreme risks, acute food insecurity and a near total collapse of critical public services”, it added.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, igniting mass protests that evolved into a widespread armed rebellion on multiple fronts that left thousands dead.

Source: Agencies