UN says 170 civilians killed in over 400 Myanmar airstrikes during election period

The United Nations revealed on Friday that at least 170 civilians were killed in over 400 military aerial attacks during Myanmar’s election period between December 2025 and January 2026. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), credible sources verified the deaths during the three-phase elections, which were held largely in areas under military control and excluded displaced populations and minorities such as the Rohingya.

Deadly Airstrikes and Political Crackdown

One of the deadliest incidents occurred on January 22 in Kachin state’s Bhamo township, where an airstrike killed up to 50 civilians. The military junta’s information head had earlier stated that a new parliament would convene in March, with a government expected in April. The OHCHR also noted that 404 people—324 men and 80 women—were arrested under an “election protection law,” with one person sentenced to 49 years for posting anti-election material. Reports of voter coercion were widespread.

UN Condemns Military’s “Rule-by-Violence”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk criticized the elections, stating, “The military is seeking to entrench its rule-by-violence after forcing people to the ballot box. This couldn’t be further from civilian rule.” He urged influential states to intensify efforts to end the violence. Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, highlighted the prevailing impunity for serious international crimes committed since the February 2021 coup, warning that it emboldens further atrocities. He noted that while most evidence points to crimes by the military, abuses by armed opposition groups are also under investigation.