A military airstrike struck a market and nearby bridge in Kyauktaw town, located in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state, killing 33 people and injuring 36 others on Monday, according to a statement by the Arakan Army, a rebel group controlling much of the region. The attack took place around midday local time (0530 GMT), and the group indicated that the death toll may rise further.

Witnesses reported seeing over 30 bodies at the scene amid smoldering debris and damaged roads. Firefighters worked to extinguish flames while recovered bodies were arranged under protective coverings. One local resident, Khaing Nu, said her younger sister, a market vendor, remained missing following the strike. She expressed distress about the uncertainty surrounding her sister’s fate and concern for her niece left behind.

Rakhine state has been a focal point of intense conflict since Myanmar’s military coup in 2021, which toppled the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The region is largely under the control of the Arakan Army, with the military maintaining control over a few urban areas. The market targeted by the strike is situated along a vital trade route near the Indian border and has become a center of commercial activity despite ongoing violence. The attack has added to the hardships faced by residents, many of whom endure hunger and poverty as the area remains isolated from the rest of Myanmar.

The Myanmar military, which operates a fleet of Russian- and Chinese-manufactured fighter jets, has not issued a response to the latest strike. However, it has previously been accused by rights groups of targeting civilian sites, including schools and religious gatherings, in Rakhine and other conflict zones. Such attacks have drawn international criticism and have been described by some observers as potential war crimes.

The fighting in Rakhine has contributed to a humanitarian crisis. According to United Nations data, nearly half a million people have been displaced within the state. Meanwhile, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reports that more than 100,000 people have been killed nationwide since the military takeover in 2021.

Residents near the strike site recounted the moment they took cover as fighter jets approached, followed by powerful explosions that caused temporary hearing loss and widespread panic. The incident underlines the ongoing volatility and suffering in western Myanmar as armed confrontations persist between the military and rebel forces.