The United Nations (U.N.) is “deeply concerned” over reports that women and children were killed in a bombing attack by the military in Myanmar, a spokesperson for the world body said.
Stephane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesperson, said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by reports that at least four women and children have been killed and many more injured today in an attack by the Myanmar military forces in Thandwe township, Rakhine State. The United Nations condemns in the strongest terms any deliberate attacks against civilians.”
He added that the U.N. wants the Myanmar military to exercise restraint and abide by international humanitarian and human rights law, including the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. He also said that the U.N. urged the authorities to investigate the incident and hold to account those who are responsible for the “vast human rights violations”.
The statement comes amid reports of violence in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state, where the military and ethnic armed groups continue to fight each other. This latest incident is reported to have occurred in the Thandwe township, where fighting has been ongoing since early February.
