Myanmar Junta Steps Up Airstrikes On Civilians As UN Investigators Warn Of War Crimes

Myanmar’s junta has stepped up airstrikes on civilians, with UN investigators warning that attacks have grown more frequent and severe and have continued even after the military held its tightly controlled elections.

The UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) said its report, covering July 2025 to June 2026, found rising cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The military increased aerial attacks before the December 2025 and January 2026 elections, and the strikes have “continued unabated” since then.

Investigators said attacks hit homes, schools, hospitals, religious sites and camps for displaced people. The military has increasingly used paramotors, gyrocopters and drones carrying unguided explosives. In some cases, paramotor pilots allegedly shut their engines before reaching targets, leaving people with little warning.

The UN also found a pattern of “double tap” strikes, where a second attack follows the first and may hit rescuers, people helping the wounded or civilians trying to escape. Investigators have identified some military units, commanders and air bases linked to attacks, strengthening evidence that could be used in future court cases.

The scale of the air campaign was already clear in 2025. UN human rights officials recorded 982 civilian deaths from airstrikes, a 52 per cent rise from 2024. The figure included 232 children. One of the deadliest attacks hit a school in Sagaing in May 2025, killing 22 students and two teachers.

Fresh violence has continued in Rakhine State. The Arakan Army said about 20 civilians were killed and 22 injured in airstrikes across three townships from August 1 to 11. It also said a strike in Thandwe Township on August 10 killed 14 civilians and injured 11. The claims could not be independently verified, and the military has not publicly responded.

The wider conflict is also worsening the humanitarian crisis. More than 3.6 million people are estimated to be displaced across Myanmar, with Sagaing, Rakhine and other conflict areas facing continued attacks and shortages of aid.

IIMM chief Nicholas Koumjian said, “Behind every piece of evidence we collect are people whose lives have been devastated by these crimes.” The team has gathered evidence from more than 1,600 sources and witnesses.

The UN is also investigating alleged crimes by anti-junta armed groups, including the Arakan Army, such as sexual violence, killings and child recruitment.

Myanmar’s military seized power on February 1, 2021, removing Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. More than five years later, the UN says the fighting shows no sign of easing, while its investigators face growing pressure over funding and resources.