At least 70 women were killed across Myanmar in October due to the military junta’s airstrikes, mortar shell attacks, and other acts of violence, according to a statement released by the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU) on November 7.
Among the victims, 56 women were killed in airstrikes, 8 died in mortar shell attacks, 5 were murdered, and 1 was killed by a landmine explosion, the BWU reported. Fourteen of those killed were under the age of 18.
The highest number of deaths occurred in Shan State, where the junta carried out more than 30 airstrikes in northern Shan throughout October. Fatalities were also reported in Mandalay Region (13), Sagaing Region (10), Bago Region (5), Ayeyarwady Region (4), and three each in Chin, Magway, Kayin, and Mon States, as well as two in Rakhine State and one in Tanintharyi Region.
The organization also documented at least 80 women injured by airstrikes, mortar shelling, arbitrary violence, landmine explosions, and conflict-related sexual assaults during the same period.
“The military junta continues to commit war crimes and human rights violations against civilians across the country through various forms of violence,” the BWU said in its statement.
It added that the junta has intensified air attacks and expanded violent operations in recent months, further worsening the security situation for women and civilians nationwide.
