Kalchau:United Nations UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of a military airstrike in Myanmar's Rakhine State and has "strongly condemned" the continuing attacks on civilians, his spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General is calling for an immediate cessation of violence by all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and adherence to international law. He emphasized that those responsible for the attacks, which reportedly occurred on September 28 near a market in the town of Kalchau, resulting in 50 deaths and nearly 60 injuries, must be held accountable.

Dujarric highlighted that the conditions in Myanmar are currently not conducive to the safe and voluntary return of displaced individuals, including the Rohingya communities. He also stressed the need for warring parties to allow "safe, sustained, and unimpeded" access for the UN and its humanitarian partners to provide essential aid.

Guterres has also raised concerns about the recent repatriation of approximately 1,500 individuals to Myanmar by Malaysian authorities and has urged Malaysia to stop the deportation process. Malaysia reportedly began repatriating 1,476 Myanmar nationals on Tuesday, using three Myanmar naval vessels.

Dujarric pointed out that customary international law prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or severe threats. The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, which has escalated since the military takeover in February 2021, continues to affect various ethnic groups, including the predominantly Muslim Rohingya community. This community has faced persecution and has been forced to flee their homes over the years.