Myanmar Air Strike Kills 12 at Displaced Persons Camp

Twelve individuals lost their lives following an air strike conducted by the Myanmar army against a camp for displaced persons. The attack targeted the "Pyar La" camp located in the Buthidaung area, northeast of Sittwe, the state capital. According to sources, the bombing occurred on Friday evening.

Survivor recounts loss of family members

Chit Su Wai, a 27-year-old merchant residing in the camp, described losing her daughter, her mother, and a relative in the incident. Speaking through tears, she stated that she saw only scattered bodies and could not find words to describe the scene. She added that the fighter jet appeared suddenly without warning and dropped bombs on the site.

Local relief chief confirms casualty count

Khaing Khine Htet, head of a local relief organization, confirmed the previous death toll. He noted that most victims died immediately at the location upon the explosion. The official highlighted that the camp had housed displaced people for four years, with residents believing it was a safe place.

Civil war context and conflict statistics

Myanmar has been experiencing a civil war since a military coup five years ago. This event ignited an armed rebellion led by groups supporting civilian rule alongside ethnic minority factions. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates that the total number of deaths since the start of the conflict exceeds 100,000. This figure encompasses all parties involved in the struggle.