Post by : Raman

In a tragic and horrifying event, at least 18 people, mostly students, have lost their lives in Myanmar after the military carried out air strikes on two private schools in a small village in Rakhine State. The attack happened in Thayet Thapin village in Kyauktaw township, an area controlled by the Arakan Army, a local armed group that represents the Rakhine ethnic minority. This tragic event has shocked families, the local community, and the international world.

According to the Arakan Army, a military jet dropped two bombs on Pyinnyar Pan Khinn and A Myin Thit Private High School, hitting the schools at a time when students were sleeping in their boarding facilities. Most of the victims were between 17 to 18 years old. The group described the event as a devastating blow and expressed grief for the families of the victims. Access to the village is very difficult now, as internet and cellphone services have been mostly cut off, making independent verification of the situation nearly impossible.

The Arakan Army is a military wing of the Rakhine ethnic minority movement. The group has been seeking greater autonomy and self-rule in the Rakhine region for many years. Since November 2023, the Arakan Army has been engaged in a military offensive against Myanmar’s central government forces in the region. During this campaign, the group has captured 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, including Kyauktaw, which was seized last February. The group has repeatedly accused the military of targeting civilians, and this recent air strike is one of the deadliest incidents in recent times.

Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that 30 to 40 students were staying at the schools when the bombs were dropped. In addition to the 18 killed, at least 21 people were injured, six of whom are in critical condition. Nearby homes were also damaged, leaving families homeless and terrified. Videos and photographs shared online by locals showed debris, broken buildings, and a scene of complete destruction. Families in the area are now mourning their loved ones while trying to find safety and shelter.

The attack has raised serious questions about the protection of civilians, particularly children, in conflict zones. Schools should be safe places for learning and growth, not targets in military operations. The international community has condemned this brutal attack. UNICEF issued a strong statement, calling it a “brutal attack” and warning that children and families continue to pay the “ultimate price” in the ongoing violence in Rakhine State.

Myanmar has been in a state of turmoil since February 1, 2021, when the military seized power from the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Following the military takeover, peaceful demonstrations against the coup were violently suppressed. Many people who opposed the military rule took up arms to defend themselves. Since then, Myanmar has been embroiled in widespread conflict, with large parts of the country under the control of armed groups resisting military rule. Human rights organizations estimate that more than 7,200 people have been killed by security forces since the coup, with countless others injured or displaced.

Rakhine State, formerly known as Arakan, has a long history of ethnic tension and conflict. In 2017, the military carried out a brutal counterinsurgency operation in the region, forcing around 740,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. This mass exodus drew worldwide attention and condemnation. The recent air strikes on schools show that the region remains highly volatile and dangerous, with civilians, especially children, continuing to face extreme risks.

Local sources described the attack in detail. Wai Hun Aung, who directs relief work in Rakhine, said that the bombs destroyed large parts of the school buildings, leaving students trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams are working under difficult conditions to recover victims and help the injured. The survivors are traumatized, and many families are facing a struggle for basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter after their homes were damaged or destroyed.

The military of Myanmar has been increasingly using air strikes in its fight against resistance groups like the People’s Defence Force, a pro-democracy armed group. These resistance forces have no effective defense against air attacks, leaving civilians exposed to the dangers of bombings. The use of powerful bombs in populated areas is highly dangerous, and international observers have repeatedly warned that such attacks violate international humanitarian laws, which require the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

The situation in Rakhine State is further complicated by political and ethnic divisions. The Arakan Army has gained significant control in the region, challenging the central government’s authority. The conflict has turned villages into battlegrounds, and ordinary people are often caught in the middle. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they face the risk of being killed or injured, losing their homes, and missing out on education. Boarding schools, like the ones targeted in this attack, are meant to be safe havens for children, making the attack even more tragic.

Families in the affected village are now facing multiple challenges. In addition to grieving the loss of their loved ones, they must cope with injuries, destruction of property, and psychological trauma. Many families have lost not only their children but also friends, neighbors, and members of their community. Aid organizations are trying to provide emergency relief, but access to the region is limited, slowing down rescue and recovery operations.

The attack highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Myanmar. Civilian safety must be a priority, and schools must remain protected spaces. International organizations and governments worldwide must step in to ensure that children and families in conflict zones are not targeted or left unprotected. The people of Myanmar, especially children, deserve to live in peace, go to school safely, and grow up without fear of violence.

This tragedy also serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of war. Beyond the immediate loss of life, attacks like these leave deep emotional scars on survivors, disrupt education, and destroy communities. Children who survive such attacks may face lifelong trauma, affecting their mental health, education, and future opportunities. The destruction of schools also denies children their right to education, which is a fundamental human right.

The international community must press for accountability. The military forces responsible for targeting civilians, including children, should be investigated, and steps should be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Aid organizations, humanitarian groups, and governments should increase support for victims, including medical care, psychological support, food, and temporary shelter.

Myanmar’s conflict is complex and deeply rooted in political, ethnic, and historical issues. However, the deaths of innocent children in air strikes cannot be justified under any circumstances. The focus must be on protecting civilians and finding a long-lasting solution to end violence in the region. Schools, hospitals, and homes should never become battlefields.

As families mourn in Thayet Thapin village, the world watches in sorrow and shock. The pain of losing young students in such a violent manner is unimaginable. This tragedy serves as a call for immediate action to protect children in Myanmar, ensure their right to education, and restore peace to conflict-affected regions.

The air strikes on private schools in Rakhine State have resulted in a heartbreaking loss of young lives and severe destruction in the community. It is a reminder of the devastating effects of war on children and civilians. The Arakan Army, the Myanmar military, and the international community all have a role to play in ensuring that schools are safe, innocent lives are protected, and peace is restored in this troubled region. The tragedy in Thayet Thapin village should not be forgotten. Children deserve safety, education, and a chance to live without fear, and the world must act to make that possible.

Myanmar news, Rakhine attack, school bombing, student deaths, Arakan Army, Myanmar conflict