Myanmar army killed over 700 civilians in six months, UN says

Wed Jun 24 2026 05:36:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

UN report finds Myanmar military killed 702 civilians, including women and children, during the election period amid continued air strikes.

Between August and January, Myanmar's armed forces caused 702 civilian deaths in a period that included 224 women and 153 children. Air strikes were the main source of destruction, with Sagaing region suffering 191 deaths, many of whom were civilians in non‑combatant gatherings. One incident saw a school in Chaung‑U struck, killing 23 people including children during a Buddhist Lent candle‑lit celebration. UN officials noted that reduced international aid compounds the suffering of millions, as local protection efforts become more precarious.

Myanmar army killed over 700 civilians in six months, UN says

Myanmar's military was responsible for 702 civilian deaths between August and January, according to a United Nations report. This figure includes 224 women and 153 children.

The report highlights that air strikes were the single largest cause of destruction and suffering, with Sagaing – the most dangerous region – reporting 191 deaths, 60 of which were women and 30 children.

One incident involved a school in Chaung‑U where a bombardment killed 23 people, including four children, during an event celebrating the end of Buddhist Lent.

The UN warned that a decline in international assistance is exacerbating the hardships faced by millions, as local protection efforts become more reliant on dwindling external funding.

Myanmar’s 2021 coup, which displaced leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a deep‑seated civil war, ended with the coup leader becoming president and a pre‑planned election that excluded key opposition parties.