Dec 11, Kathmandu - At least 34 people have been killed and scores injured in an airstrike by the Myanmar military on a hospital.

At least 34 people have been killed and scores injured in an airstrike by Myanmar's military on a hospital in Mrauk Township, Rakhine State.

Hospital staff said the patient load was high at the time of the attack.

Mrauk is controlled by the Arakan, an indigenous rebel group that the national army considers an enemy. Thousands have died in clashes between the army and the rebels.

Similarly, millions of people have fled their homes to escape the fighting. Myanmar has been in the grip of a civil war since the military seized power in 2021.

In recent months, the military has stepped up airstrikes to retake territory from ethnic militias.

The military has not commented on the matter. Khaing Thukha, a spokesman for the rebel Arakan Army, said most of the dead were hospital patients.

Myanmar is holding its first election since Gen. Sen. Yoo took power on December 28, with the first round on January 11 and the third round on January 25.

Independent analysts have accused the military of holding a sham election to bolster its legitimacy.