Culture & Entertainment · Singapore Bureau
Myanmar military strikes kill 15, including newborn at maternity clinic
At least 15 people, including a newborn baby, were killed in weekend military operations across Myanmar targeting a maternity clinic and a school, according to an ethnic armed group, aid workers and human rights monitors.
LSN Singapore ·
Multiple sources reported Monday that Myanmar's military conducted strikes at several civilian locations over the weekend, resulting in significant casualties. The attacks struck a maternity clinic and an educational facility, locations typically housing vulnerable populations including pregnant women, infants and children.
An ethnic armed group operating in the region, along with humanitarian aid workers present in affected areas, documented the incident. Human rights monitors also corroborated reports of the fatalities, adding to mounting concerns over civilian impact from military operations in Myanmar.
The death toll of at least 15 represents a significant loss of life in a single military operation. The presence of a newborn among the casualties underscores the civilian nature of the targeted facilities and raises fresh questions about adherence to international humanitarian law.
Myanmar has faced escalating conflict since the military's February 2021 coup, with armed resistance groups and ethnic militias increasingly challenging state forces. Civilian casualties have mounted throughout the conflict, with healthcare facilities and schools frequently caught in the crossfire or deliberately targeted.