MSF rrges civilian protection after Sittwe shelling kills two, injures 17

International medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has called for greater protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access in Myanmar's Arakan (Rakhine) State after shelling in the state capital, Sittwe, reportedly killed at least two people and injured 17 others.

DMG Newsroom

25 October 2026, Sittwe

International medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has called for greater protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access in Myanmar's Arakan (Rakhine) State after shelling in the state capital, Sittwe, reportedly killed at least two people and injured 17 others.

In a statement issued on October 24, MSF said its team in central Sittwe heard intense shelling, exchanges of gunfire and aircraft overhead during an escalation of violence on October 23.

According to MSF, at least one shell exploded at a junction in downtown Sittwe used by civilians moving through the increasingly restricted city. Most of the reported casualties occurred at that location.

The injured were taken to Sittwe General Hospital, the city's main referral hospital, for treatment.

MSF said it had previously supported the hospital by facilitating life-saving transfers for patients from other parts of Arakan where specialised medical care was unavailable.

The organisation warned that the latest incident was not isolated, highlighting the continuing dangers facing civilians across the conflict-affected state.

It cited airstrikes in central Arakan on September 28 that killed at least 50 people, underscoring the threat posed by attacks on populated areas and civilians caught in crossfire.

“Civilians must be protected from conflict continuing to rage across Rakhine State,” said Paul Brockmann, MSF's operations manager for Myanmar.

MSF urged all parties involved in the conflict to take every possible measure to protect civilians in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The organisation also emphasised the need to protect healthcare workers and patients and ensure access to essential medical services amid continuing hostilities.

MSF, which has worked alongside communities in Arakan for more than three decades, confirmed that its team remains in Sittwe despite the security situation.

Although personnel from some other organisations have reportedly been evacuated, MSF said its staff continue to maintain a presence in the city.

The organisation reiterated its call for all parties to facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to communities affected by prolonged violence and deprivation.

Sittwe, the administrative capital of Arakan State in western Myanmar, remains affected by the wider armed conflict between Myanmar's military junta and the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed organisation.

MSF's statement did not identify which party was responsible for the October 23 shelling.

DMG could not independently verify the reported casualties or establish responsibility for the incident.