The UN, the UK, and human rights organizations condemned the Myanmar military for bombing a market in Rakhine State, resulting in 50 deaths, including a 9-month pregnant woman, and injuring 60 people.
On 30 Sep 2026, the United Nations, the UK, and several human rights groups condemned the Myanmar military following an airstrike bombing of Indian Market in Sittwe city, Rakhine State, western Myanmar, on Monday. The attack killed 50 civilians and injured 60, about 20 of whom are in critical condition.
The attack occurred at midday. Locals reported that Myanmar military jets dropped two 500-pound bombs—one hit the crowded Indian Market, and the other struck the nearby Kisa Panadi Bridge, a main route into the city. Victims included market workers, shoppers, and passersby. Photos from the aftermath showed burned bodies, widespread fires, and heavily damaged buildings.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that this attack reflects the dire situation civilians across Myanmar, especially in Rakhine State, are facing. He warned that the incident raises serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law by all conflict parties and urged all to act to reduce and avoid civilian casualties.
Stefane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack, calling on all parties to end violence, protect civilians, and adhere to international law. He also noted that conditions in Rakhine State remain unsafe for refugees, internally displaced persons, and Rohingya people to return home securely.
In addition to the UN, the UK government, Myanmar and regional human rights groups, and the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) condemned the incident and urged that perpetrators be held accountable and that military force against civilians be stopped.
The latest annual report from the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar stated that the Myanmar military has increasingly relied on airstrikes, with civilians as the main victims, especially in Rakhine State and other areas. Data from the now-dissolved Ministry of Human Rights of Myanmar's National Unity Government indicated that since the 2021 coup until 31 Aug, nearly 1,000 civilians have died from over 1,200 military airstrikes in Rakhine State.
Source: Irrawaddy