Students among 18 killed in Myanmar strike on Rakhine schools: Armed group

"Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the Arakan Army (AA) that controls the area, told The Associated Press late on Friday that a jet fighter dropped two bombs on Pyinnyar Pan Khinn and A Myin Thit Private High School in the Thayet Thapin village in Kyauktaw township. He said most of the victims were 17- to 18-year-old students from the private schools. The situation in the village could not be independently confirmed, with access to the internet and cellphone service in the area mostly cut off."

"We feel as sad as the victims' families for the death of the innocent students, said the AA in a statement on Telegram, blaming the military for the strike. The AA is the military wing of the Rakhine ethnic minority movement, which seeks autonomy from Myanmar's central government. It began its offensive in Rakhine in November 2023 and has since gained control of a strategically important regional army headquarters and 14 of Rakhine's 17 townships."

"Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021, triggering widespread popular opposition. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of the military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict. More than 7,200 people are estimated to have been killed by security forces since then, according to figures compiled by nongovernment organisations."

At least 18 people, mostly 17- to 18-year-old students, were killed when a jet fighter reportedly dropped two bombs on Pyinnyar Pan Khinn and A Myin Thit Private High School in Thayet Thapin village, Kyauktaw township. The Arakan Army (AA), which controls the area, reported the strike and said internet and cellphone service was mostly cut off, preventing independent confirmation. The AA expressed sorrow and blamed the military for the attack. The AA is the military wing of the Rakhine movement seeking autonomy and has expanded its control since November 2023. Myanmar has faced widespread conflict since the military seized power in February 2021, with thousands killed by security forces.

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