Episode: KPN 01-09-2026

UN Myanmar probe investigates alleged military war crimes in Rakhine State

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) says it is investigating alleged war crimes committed by Myanmar’s military in Rakhine State, including airstrikes that have killed civilians and struck homes, hospitals, schools and religious buildings.

The United Nations investigative mechanism said in its annual report that evidence collected by investigators points to serious consequences for civilians from military attacks in Rakhine and elsewhere in Myanmar.

“Every piece of evidence we have collected shows that these crimes have caused a huge loss of life,” IIMM head Nicholas Koumjian said.

The report said civilians across Myanmar, including communities in Rakhine State, continue to live under the threat of military violence and face severe and potentially long-term consequences.

The findings underscore the need to hold those responsible for serious international crimes accountable, according to the mechanism.

Report Raises Concern Over Repeated Airstrikes

The IIMM report said Myanmar’s military has increasingly carried out two-stage airstrikes, in which an initial attack is followed by another strike that can endanger civilians and people attempting to provide emergency assistance to the wounded.

Such attacks have raised concerns about the protection of civilians and emergency responders in conflict-affected areas.

U Myat Htun, director of the Rakhine Human Rights Defenders Association, accused the military authorities of deliberately attacking civilians and described the violence as constituting serious violations of international humanitarian law.

“The military regime is now bombing the people every day,” he said, arguing that deliberate attacks against civilians should be investigated as war crimes and violations of the Geneva Conventions.

His characterization of some attacks as genocide represents his assessment; determining whether conduct legally constitutes genocide or other international crimes requires evidence meeting the applicable legal criteria.

Drones Leave Civilians Less Time to Seek Shelter

The report also highlighted the military’s increasing use of drones in attacks.

According to the mechanism, drone attacks can substantially reduce the amount of warning civilians receive compared with conventional military aircraft, leaving people with less time to flee or find shelter.

Communities in Rakhine State have faced growing security risks as air attacks have intensified, including strikes affecting multiple targets or repeated attacks on the same area.

The continuing bombing campaign has caused civilian casualties in several parts of the state.

In Thandwe Township, an airstrike on Kyaukgyi village on August 10 reportedly killed and injured a combined 25 people.

Questions Grow Over International Accountability

The continuing violence has also prompted criticism over the international community’s response to alleged atrocities in Myanmar.

“The military regime has committed many acts of violence against the people and committed many human rights violations,” writer and social worker Wai Hin Aung said.

“But it is very sad to see the international community turn a blind eye to this. In this situation, we also need to question the international community. The international community has turned a blind eye to justice, human rights and the protection of the people,” he added.

IIMM Collecting Evidence From Rakhine Communities

The IIMM has been investigating alleged crimes connected to the intensified conflict in Rakhine State, including incidents occurring since 2024.

The mechanism said it is gathering important eyewitness testimony and other evidence concerning alleged crimes affecting Muslims, Rakhine and other communities caught in the armed conflict.

The collection and preservation of such evidence is intended to support future investigations and potential prosecutions of individuals responsible for serious international crimes.

As conflict and airstrikes continue to threaten civilians across Rakhine State, the UN investigation adds to growing demands for accountability and stronger protection for communities affected by the war.

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