KHRG condemns deadly Kyauktaw market attack

Mizzima

The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) is deeply saddened and outraged by reports of a Burma Army air strike on Rakhine State that claimed the lives of at least 50 civilians, including children, according to their latest press release.

KHRG strongly condemns this devastating attack on civilians by the military junta. KHRG also sends its deepest condolences to all families who lost loved ones.

On Monday, 28 September 2026, around midday, the Burma Army carried out an air strike on a marketplace in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, that reportedly killed at least 50 civilians and left at least 58 others injured, with the casualty count still expected to rise. The attack struck the busy marketplace during an active period when high numbers of civilians were carrying out activities of their daily lives and livelihoods. Many of the victims are believed to be market traders, workers, shoppers, and passersby, including women and children. This deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure demonstrates the Burma Army’s blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and the sanctity of civilian life.

The Burma Army continues to systematically target civilians and civilian objects in air strikes across the country, particularly in ethnic regions, including Karen State, where KHRG has documented ongoing strikes since the 2021 military coup. These repeated attacks across the country expose the military’s disingenuous claims of pursuing peace and stability. Their actions reveal a clear intent to terrorise communities and suppress resistance through indiscriminate violence. The international community must not be deceived by the junta’s attempts to gain legitimacy. It is imperative to recognise the Burma Army for what it is — a brutal military regime responsible for widespread atrocities.

In contrast, international humanitarian law (IHL) requires all parties to follow principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack. A distinction must be made between civilians and combatants, as well as between civilian objects and military objectives. Burma Army attacks on civilians and civilian objects, such as residential areas and civilian buildings, are therefore a serious violation of the law of armed conflict. Moreover, intentionally attacking civilians and protected objects may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Further, international criminal law (ICL) imposes criminal liability on superiors who order the commission of crimes or fail to prevent or punish the criminal activities of their subordinates. Burma Army leaders and local commanders who are responsible through the chain of command for ordering, failing to prevent, or failing to punish attacks, such as the one on the market in Kyauktaw Township, should be held accountable for these heinous crimes to the fullest extent possible.

In light of this horrific attack, KHRG urges the international community to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further suffering. This includes imposing stronger targeted sanctions on military leaders and entities, cutting financial flows that sustain the military’s operations, and halting all forms of collaboration that could lend legitimacy to their rule. We call for increased humanitarian assistance to affected communities and support for local efforts documenting and responding to these violations.

The people of Burma continue to suffer under relentless military aggression. Silence and inaction only embolden perpetrators. We call upon all governments, international organisations, and civil society actors to stand firmly with the victims and demand accountability for these crimes.