UN High Commissioner, UK condemn Kyauktaw airstrike killing at least 50 civilians

By Admin 30 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

30 September 2026, Kyauktaw

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Kingdom have strongly condemned the military regime airstrike on a crowded area in Kyauktaw Town, which killed at least 50 civilians, including children, women, vendors, shoppers, transport workers, and other local residents.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted that the attack resulted in the highest single-event casualty count in Arakan State since the 2021 military coup, with 58 recorded injuries and the total casualty figure expected to rise further.

"This latest attack raises serious concerns regarding respect for international humanitarian law in armed conflict," High Commissioner Volker Türk said. "Under these laws, parties to a conflict must strictly adhere to the fundamental principles of distinction between civilians and combatants, proportionality, and precautions in attack."

The High Commissioner pointed out that India Market housed more than 200 shops operated by Arakanese, Muslim, Hindu, Daingnet, and other diverse local communities, with the airstrike launched while numerous civilians were present in and around the market area.

Highlighting the severe suffering faced by civilians across the country, the UN High Commissioner emphasized that Arakan State is currently enduring the most acute crisis.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also issued a strong condemnation of the September 28 aerial bombardment in Kyauktaw Town, which left more than 100 people dead or injured.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns these attacks and calls on all parties to immediately cease violence to protect civilians and fulfill their obligations under international law," UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric quoted Secretary-General Guterres as stating.

Shortly after 12:00 p.m. on September 28, the military regime dropped two bombs on India Market and the Kissapanadi Bridge in Kyauktaw Town during peak traffic hours. The strike killed 50 people and injured nearly 60 others. The United League of Arakan (ULA) has since buried more than 20 unidentified bodies burned beyond recognition.

UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Baroness Winterton described the military regime attack as completely unacceptable and strongly condemned it.

"We are appalled by the loss of life caused by the military airstrike on a market in Kyauktaw Town," Minister Baroness Winterton said. "Targeting civilians is completely unacceptable. The UK government strongly condemns this horrific attack."

The UK government reiterated its commitment to standing with the people of Myanmar, demanding an immediate end to aerial attacks and calling for the protection of civilian populations.

The Kyauktaw market bombing stands as one of the deadliest single airstrikes recorded during the military regime's air campaign.

The Arakan Army has explicitly declared that it will deliver swift retaliation against those who authorized, executed, and participated in the bombing.