Rakhine, Dec 12 (V7N) — A devastating airstrike by Myanmar’s military junta has hit a hospital in conflict-torn Rakhine state, killing at least 34 people and injuring more than 70, according to local sources. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as many of the wounded are in critical condition.

The BBC reported the attack on Thursday, citing officials of the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group that has long been fighting the junta in the coastal region.

Arakan Army spokesperson Khin Thu Kha said the hospital was struck by a bomb dropped from a military aircraft, severely damaging the facility. The junta has not issued any comment on the reported attack.

Fierce clashes between junta forces and the Arakan Army have intensified in recent months across Rakhine, displacing thousands and worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, the junta has announced that national parliamentary elections will begin on December 28. However, several international media outlets report that the polls are expected to be held only in areas firmly under military control, raising questions about their legitimacy.

END/SMA/AJ