Myanmar: Myanmar's military denied killing civilians in a recent airstrike on a hospital in Rakhine state that left more than 30 people dead, state-run media reported on Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the military junta stated that the general hospital in Mrauk-U, located in western Rakhine state near the Bangladesh border, had been officially closed by the government in July 2024. This closure followed the Arakan Army (AA) taking control of the area after security forces retreated due to heavy clashes.

The statement from the military junta alleged that "The AA terrorists took shelter in that hospital and established their camp, taking advantage of the hospital's appearance for cover." The Arakan Army, formed in 2009, is known as a Buddhist ethnic insurgent group from Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The military confirmed targeting the building in the airstrike, asserting it was being used by the AA and other groups as a base camp. The junta claimed, "Those killed or injured were not civilians, but terrorists and their supporters."

The airstrike, executed on Wednesday, resulted in at least 33 deaths and 76 injuries, with 27 individuals reported in critical condition. The attack on the public hospital in Mrauk-U township in Rakhine State drew condemnation from the UN. On Thursday, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq remarked, "The World Health Organization reports that this is the 67th verified attack on health facilities in Myanmar this year."

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday condemning the hospital bombing. The statement expressed concern over the recent increase in violations of international humanitarian law and violence in Rakhine State. Bangladesh highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and civilian facilities, stressing that all communities, including Rohingya and Rakhine, should be spared from violence.

Ethnic clashes have exacerbated Myanmar's humanitarian crisis, as the country remains embroiled in civil conflict nearly four years after the February 2021 military coup. This coup ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy and has led to more than four years of emergency rule.

In July, the military announced a nominal transfer of power to a civilian-led interim administration ahead of planned elections in December and January, although the junta chief remains the acting president. According to rights monitors, over 6,000 people have been killed and nearly 3 million displaced due to ongoing fighting between the junta and opposition groups.