EU says Myanmar hospital attack violates international humanitarian law

ISTANBUL

The EU said Thursday that a deadly airstrike by Myanmar’s military on a hospital in Rakhine State amounted to a violation of international humanitarian law.

"The attack on a hospital in Rakhine by the Myanmar military regime is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. Civilians, the wounded, and medical staff must be protected in all circumstances," said EU Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper.

"We express our solidarity with the victims and their families," Hipper wrote on US social media company X.

At least 33 people were killed and 76 injured when Myanmar forces struck the hospital in Mrauk-U, a town near the border with Bangladesh. Military authorities have not acknowledged carrying out any operation in the area.

Myanmar’s military seized power Feb. 1, 2021, after alleging fraud in the 2020 elections, detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and senior officials. The coup triggered mass protests that were violently suppressed and later evolved into armed resistance.

More than 6,000 people have since been killed and nearly 3 million displaced due to fighting between the junta and opposition groups, according to rights monitors.