Dozens of people have been killed as a result of an airstrike by the Myanmar military in Kyauk Ni Maw village, located in Rakhine State, according to a recent report from the United Nations and corroborated by sources from Al Jazeera. The attack, which occurred this past Wednesday, has left at least 40 people dead and approximately 500 homes destroyed, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The airstrike, as revealed by both the UN and the civilian shadow government, has claimed the lives of women and children among the casualties. The Arakan Army, an ethnic militia engaged in a long-standing struggle for autonomy, revealed the names of 26 victims who were killed and noted that 12 more were injured during the assault. Local eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with residents wandering through the wreckage of their community, engulfed in smoke and destruction.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing turmoil gripping Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup ignited widespread protests that escalated into armed conflict involving multiple resistance factions. As a result, over 3.5 million people have been displaced due to the violence, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Myanmar has urged all involved parties to adhere to international humanitarian laws, pointing out that civilians are bearing the brunt of this prolonged conflict. "Fighting in Rakhine has recently escalated, with civilians paying the highest price of the conflict,” a UN statement emphasized.

In light of these developments, the Blood Money Campaign, a coalition advocating for sanctions against entities supporting the military, has urged international governments to cut off the supply of aviation fuel. The campaign's spokesperson, Mulan, indicated that **"Only when this support stops will the air strikes truly come to an end,"** highlighting the urgent need for international action.

The situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, with humanitarian access severely restricted and critical public services nearing collapse. Both the international community and human rights organizations watch closely for any changes, as calls for justice and accountability grow louder amidst the chaos.

For further details, visit the original reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.