By Shoon Naing

(Reuters) – Twelve people were killed in an air strike by Myanmar’s military government in western Rakhine state this week, the United Nations said, as the Southeast Asian country’s civil war entered its fourth year.

The civilian shadow government and the Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine-based militia fighting for regional autonomy, also reported that the attack had killed dozens.

The junta hit Kyauk Ni Maw village in Yanbye township on Wednesday afternoon, destroying 500 houses and killing more than 40 people, according to the National Unity Government and a UN statement released on Friday.

Reuters could not immediately verify the reports. A military spokesman did not return phone calls for comment. The junta has rejected accusations of committing atrocities against civilians, saying it was fighting “terrorists”.

The Arakan Army released the names of 26 Muslim villagers it said were killed and 12 wounded in the attack.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, sparking mass protests that turned into a widespread armed rebellion on multiple fronts.

The UN statement urged all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of Myanmar activists working to cut off the junta’s income, is urging international governments to quickly punish entities that supply it with aviation fuel.

“When this support stops the air strikes will truly end,” said Mulan, spokesperson for the Blood Money Campaign with a name.