Myanmar airstrike: At least 49 killed near market in Arakan Army-held area of Rakhine

A Myanmar military airstrike near a market in rebel-controlled territory resulted in at least 49 fatalities and 58 injuries on Monday, according to the rebel group and a rescue official speaking to The Associated Press. The strike targeted Kyauktaw township in western Rakhine state, situated approximately 210 miles west of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city.

The Arakan Army, a significant ethnic armed group, controls the region. However, The AP was unable to independently verify the attack details. The Arakan Army claimed a fighter jet dropped two bombs near a local market around noon, killing vendors, shoppers, and passersby, and injuring 22 critically. Senior rescue official Wai Hun Aung confirmed the casualty figures to The AP, stating that the market was the primary wholesale center in the region, frequented by traders and shoppers from across Rakhine.

Images and videos on social media showed burning buildings, damaged vehicles, and a partially destroyed nearby bridge. The Arakan Army vowed to take effective retaliatory actions soon against those it holds responsible. The military has not commented yet, but previously stated it only targets legitimate military objectives and accuses resistance groups of terrorism.