Myanmar’s military has intensified airstrikes on civilians, as war crimes and crimes against humanity escalated across the country.
Myanmar’s military has intensified airstrikes on civilians ahead of elections held between 2025 and early this year, as war crimes and crimes against humanity escalated across the country, according to a new United Nations report.
While investigators attributed much of the documented violence to the military, they said armed groups fighting the junta were also implicated in serious abuses, including alleged torture and sexual violence.
More than 100,000 people are estimated to have been killed and 3.6 million displaced by conflict-related violence since Myanmar’s military coup five years ago triggered a nationwide civil war.
Attacks on Civilians
Investigators identified a pattern of air strikes on homes, schools, hospitals, religious buildings, and camps for internally displaced people.
The military also expanded its use of drones, paramotors, and gyrocopters to drop unguided explosives from low altitude.
In several incidents under investigation, pilots allegedly switched off their engines while approaching their targets, allowing the aircraft to glide silently and giving civilians little warning.
The UN also collected evidence of arbitrary detention, deaths in custody, and physical and sexualized torture in military-run facilities.
Protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in front of the Indonesian embassy in Yangon. Photo: Sai Aung Main/AFPElection Held Under Military Control
Opposition groups were excluded or unable to participate, while voting was not held in large parts of the country affected by fighting.
The military-backed party ultimately won, formalizing the junta’s grip on power.
Under a 2025 law criminalizing disruption of or criticism of the vote, people were arrested for activities including posting critical comments on social media.
Depending on the offense, the law provides for sentences of up to 20 years in prison or the death penalty.
Investigators said some of the evidence collected regarding arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence in military-run facilities was connected to the enforcement of the election law.
