Myanmar Airstrikes Indiscriminately Target Civilians, According to New Rights Group Report

Myanmar's military has been accused of targeting civilians as a form of collective punishment in the southeast since it took control in early 2021, according to a report by a rights group. The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) documented airstrikes on villages, highlighting a broader assault on civilians across the nation. James Rodehaver, from the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, discussed these findings during an online panel.

The military has not commented on the report but previously claimed it only targets legitimate war threats, labelling resistance forces as terrorists. Violence erupted when the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in February 2021, leading to armed resistance and widespread conflict. The military has increasingly used airstrikes to counter opposition and secure territory.

Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure

Rights organisations and UN investigators have found evidence of indiscriminate attacks on civilians. These include bombings, mass executions, and burning of civilian homes. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported at least 540 deaths from airstrikes between January and October this year, including 109 children.

The KHRG identified 227 airstrikes on villages, schools, and medical facilities in seven districts where ethnic Karen fighters have clashed with the military. This region includes parts of Bago, Mon state, and Tanintharyi. Interviews with 22 villagers and local organisations informed their findings, alongside reports from the past three years.

Casualties and Damage

The KHRG documented 417 civilian casualties from these airstrikes, with 168 deaths and 249 injuries. Only 22 non-civilians were reported killed or injured. The report noted damage to at least 67 religious buildings, 42 schools, and 14 medical facilities.

Myanmar's ruling State Administration Council conducts airstrikes in varied ways. Some involve limited bombs directly on communities; others use multiple munitions over large areas. Direct attacks on civilians or civilian objects are prohibited under international law and may constitute war crimes.

The military reportedly failed to distinguish between resistance fighters and villagers. In some cases, airstrikes seemed like collective punishment for local resistance activities. The KHRG also noted a lack of warnings or precautions to minimise civilian casualties in most incidents.

Rodehaver stated that the military often retaliates against civilians when facing defeats on the battlefield. This ongoing violence highlights the severe impact on Myanmar's civilian population amidst the ongoing conflict.