Myanmar’s junta has intensified airstrikes on civilians in Karenni State ahead of its planned “sham elections,” targeting schools, clinics, churches, and displacement camps, Fortify Rights said in a new report.
In its findings, the rights group said the military is carrying out “a deadly and unlawful campaign of aerial attacks on civilians,” striking protected sites and populated areas between June and September 2025.
At least 55 civilians were killed and more than 40 injured in 12 documented airstrikes.
“The Myanmar military junta’s strategy for political and military gain is to kill more civilians and target key infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, ahead of its sham elections,” said Sai Arkar, a human rights defender at Fortify Rights.
“The world is watching these atrocities unfold in silence, when immediate action is required to stop them. Impunity is deadly,” he added.
The 24-page report, “Horrible Sight to Witness,” draws on interviews with 15 survivors, eyewitnesses, and first responders, along with photographs, videos, and casualty lists.
Fortify Rights said the strikes “did not serve any legitimate military purpose and likely constitute war crimes.”
One of the deadliest attacks took place on August 17 in Mawchi town in Hpasawng Township, where daylong airstrikes destroyed a hospital and a crowded Starlink Wi-Fi shop.
“It was a horrific sight to witness,” said Saw Khlo Mu Htoo, Police Chief of the Karenni State Police. “Some bodies were in pieces, and some [victims] were completely missing their bodies. … People gathered to use Starlink, play games, and connect with their family and friends. The bombs struck right then.”
Witnesses told Fortify Rights the neighborhood had no resistance fighters, and that earlier and additional strikes in Mawchi similarly hit civilian areas, including homes and shops.
Schools and medical facilities were also repeatedly targeted. On Sept. 1, a bomb landed near a kindergarten in an internally displaced persons camp in Demoso Township, injuring two adults and an 11-year-old student.
“If it had fallen right on the [school], there would have been nothing left [of the students],” said “May,” a teacher. “The children are very scared. They were already studying in fear. … Now, we have temporarily closed the school.”
A midnight airstrike on July 14 struck a school, a residential area, and a medical clinic in Demoso. “The plane suddenly dropped another bomb [on the clinic],” said Michael, a medical volunteer. “The clinic was destroyed. The gas stoves were on fire … I feel like this is what [the junta] usually does. They target schools and clinics.”
The deadliest attacks on displaced families occurred on July 7, when an airstrike on the Saung Cherry IDP camp killed a three-year-old girl, her parents, and injured five others.
“Everyone [in the shelter] was dead,” said “Oo Hla,” who lost his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. “I couldn’t do anything. I just kept staring at the bodies of my family members.”
Fortify Rights said the escalation aligns with the junta’s announced election phases, which cover only townships under military control.
The report said the regime aims “to put military-approved candidates into ‘elected’ positions to try to claim legitimacy.”
“Civilians live each day under the terror of bombs falling from the sky, and children running and hiding in fear at the sound of planes,” said Winter Berry, a human rights defender at Fortify Rights. “The Myanmar junta is bombing and killing its own people to hold onto power and must be stopped. Failing to act now only guarantees its impunity and allows these atrocities to continue.”
The organization urged U.N. member states to impose a global arms and aviation fuel embargo, strengthen sanctions, deny recognition of the junta’s planned elections, and provide cross-border humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
