Kokang and Ta'ang Governments Condemn Myanmar Junta for 'War Crimes' in Rakhine, Cite Hospital Bombing

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Global Arakan Network December 16, 2025

A coalition of ethnic armed organizations, Three Brotherhood members, has issued a stark condemnation of Myanmar's military junta on December 16, accusing it of committing war crimes through deliberate airstrikes on civilian infrastructure across Rakhine State, including a devastating attack on a public hospital.

In a joint statement released today, the Myanmar National Truth and Justice Party/Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNTJP/MNDAA) and the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta'ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) detailed a series of alleged attacks they say highlight a pattern of targeting non-combatants.

The most severe incident cited occurred on December 10—International Human Rights Day. The statement alleges that the military, known as the State Administration Council (SAC), dropped two 500-pound bombs on the Public Hospital in Mrauk-U. The attack reportedly destroyed most of the hospital and damaged nearby homes, resulting in the immediate deaths of 33 civilians. The victims included patients, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. At least 77 others were injured.

"This was not an isolated event," the statement reads, claiming the military "has been continuously and daily targeting non-military areas where civilians gather and reside."

The groups listed subsequent attacks:

• December 11: A bombardment of Nga Lone Su Upper and Lower Villages in Kyaukpyu Township, areas sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs). The strike allegedly killed 9 civilians and wounded at least 15.

• December 13: Airstrikes on a monastery in Kyauk Kalay Village, another monastery in In Taing Gyi Village, and a school in Min Yat Village, all within Kyaukpyu Township.

The armed groups labeled these actions as the "ongoing commission of such war crimes" and warned that the military's campaign is "pushing Myanmar to the brink of becoming a failed state."

The statement concludes with an appeal for international intervention, urging the United Nations and world powers to "act swiftly and assist in putting an immediate end to the atrocious actions of the Myanmar Military Council."

Context and Challenges: Rakhine State has been a major frontline in the nationwide conflict that erupted following the military's 2021 coup. The Arakan Army (AA), a powerful ethnic armed group, has engaged in intense battles with junta forces for control of the region. Independent verification of battlefield claims from all sides is extremely difficult due to media restrictions and ongoing hostilities. The military junta has consistently stated it only targets "terrorist" positions and avoids civilian areas, blaming armed groups for putting civilians in harm's way.

The allegations, if independently verified, would represent serious violations of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on clearly marked medical facilities, schools, places of worship, and civilian shelters.

There has been no immediate response from the Myanmar military regarding this specific statement from the MNTJP/MNDAA and PSLF/TNLA.