The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed deep concern over reports of military airstrikes in Myanmar, particularly the recent bombing in Minbya township on Monday. These attacks have resulted in the loss of civilian lives and injuries, raising alarm about the deteriorating situation in the country.

Myanmar has been in a state of turmoil since the military seized power in a coup in 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected government. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread instability and human rights violations.

A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General highlighted the escalating conflict in Rakhine State, which has triggered displacement and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and discrimination. Guterres called on all parties involved to refrain from actions that could further inflame communal tensions and worsen the humanitarian crisis.

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, have faced persecution for decades. Following a brutal military crackdown in 2017, around a million Rohingya fled to overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, seeking refuge from violence and persecution. Despite their long history in Myanmar, the Rohingya have been denied citizenship by the military government, which considers them as foreign invaders.

Recent reports from Radio Free Asia, citing local sources, indicate that a fighter jet bombed Thar Dar, a predominantly Rohingya community located near Minbya, on Friday. The airstrike resulted in the death of twenty-three people and left thirty others wounded. However, Reuters could not independently verify this account at the time of reporting.

The escalating violence in Myanmar underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and protect vulnerable communities. As civilian casualties continue to mount, there are growing calls for the international community to take decisive action to hold those responsible for human rights abuses and atrocities accountable.

The UN Secretary-General's statement reflects the international community's deep concern over the situation in Myanmar and underscores the need for concerted efforts to promote peace, stability, and respect for human rights in the country.