UN mechanism probes junta war crimes in Arakan State

By Admin 12 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

12 August 2026, Thandwe

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) said it is investigating war crimes allegedly committed by the military junta in Arakan State.

The UN mechanism's annual report, released on August 11, said it is prioritising investigations into cases in which the regime deliberately targets civilian areas, hospitals, schools and religious buildings in Arakan State with airstrikes.

"Each piece of evidence we have gathered highlights how these crimes have devastated human lives," said Nicholas Koumjian, head of the mechanism.

The report noted that people across Myanmar, including in Arakan State, live under the daily threat of military violence and face deep and long-lasting consequences.

These findings underscore the urgent need to hold those responsible for the crimes accountable, according to the UN mechanism.

The report also noted that the military junta has increasingly used double-tap airstrikes, in which follow-up strikes target emergency responders attempting to rescue victims of initial attacks, increasing civilian casualties.

"The military junta is bombing civilians on a daily basis. This is not just a human rights violation; it can be characterized as genocide. When a single bombing raid kills 10, 20, or 30 civilians, it reflects acts of genocide. In addition to human rights violations, war crimes are being committed. Intentional attacks on civilians constitute clear violations of the Geneva Conventions," said U Myat Tun, director of the Arakan Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Association.

The IIMM report also indicated that the military junta's use of unmanned aerial vehicles rather than conventional military aircraft in some airstrikes significantly reduces the time civilians have to flee or seek shelter.

Junta aerial bombardment in Arakan State has reached severe levels, with repeated attacks targeting specific areas and placing civilians at extreme risk.

In Thandwe Township alone, junta airstrikes have continued, including an August 10 attack on Kyaukkyi Village that killed or injured 25 people in a mass-casualty incident.

Questions remain over international investigations and enforcement actions concerning alleged war crimes committed by the military junta.

"The military regime commits endless acts of terror and human rights violations against the public. Yet seeing the international community stand by idly is deeply disheartening. Under these circumstances, we must question international action. The global community's passivity regarding justice, human rights and civilian protection raises serious concerns," said philanthropist and writer Wai Hun Aung.

The IIMM said it has been investigating crimes committed by the military junta in Arakan State since 2024, when conflict in the state sharply escalated.

The report added that crucial eyewitness evidence is being gathered regarding crimes committed against conflict-affected Muslim, Arakanese and other communities in Arakan State.