Yangon, Myanmar – The devastating civil war in Myanmar has seen a brutal escalation as a military airstrike on September 12, 2025, killed at least 18 people, most of them teenage students, in Rakhine State. The attack on two private schools adds another layer to a conflict marked by escalating violence, political repression, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The airstrike targeted Thayet Thapin village in Kyauktaw township, an area controlled by the Arakan Army, a prominent ethnic armed organization (EAO) fighting for regional autonomy. According to reports, the victims were primarily students between 17 and 18 years old, with over 20 others injured in the attack. The incident highlights a disturbing trend of increased attacks on educational institutions throughout the country.
This latest act of violence comes as the military junta, also known as the Tatmadaw, attempts to consolidate its power through political means. The junta has announced plans to hold a general election in December 2025 or January 2026. However, the international community and local opposition groups widely question the legitimacy of the planned vote. The junta has dissolved numerous political parties, including the National League for Democracy led by the imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi, and has systematically cracked down on dissent. In a stark example of this repression, Myanmar resident Nay Thway was recently sentenced to seven years of hard labor for criticizing the election plans on Facebook, the first known conviction under a new restrictive election law.
The conflict, which intensified dramatically after the military coup in February 2021, is being fought on multiple fronts. The opposition, led by the National Unity Government (NUG)—a parallel government formed by ousted lawmakers and activists—continues to coordinate resistance through its armed wing, the People’s Defense Force (PDF), and in alliance with powerful EAOs. These groups aim to overthrow the military regime and establish a federal democratic union.
Resistance forces have recently made significant territorial gains. In April 2025, the Chin Brotherhood Alliance captured the town of Falam after a prolonged battle, withstanding subsequent military airstrikes aimed at retaking the area. The Arakan Army also continues its major offensive to capture Kyaukphyu township, a strategic coastal area, in a battle that began in February 2025 and has caused significant casualties and civilian displacement.
The unrelenting conflict has been compounded by a natural disaster. A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the country on March 28, 2025, killing over 3,800 people and displacing countless more. The humanitarian response has been severely hampered, with reports indicating that the military is actively obstructing aid from reaching affected populations in conflict zones, worsening the plight of civilians.
The situation in Myanmar remains dire. Clashes between the military and a broad coalition of resistance forces continue unabated, the junta’s political maneuvers face widespread condemnation, and the civilian population bears the brunt of the violence and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.