GENEVA, June 22, 2026 — The United Nations has reported that Myanmar’s military was responsible for more than 700 civilian deaths during a six-month election period between August 2025 and January 2026, highlighting a sharp escalation in violence against civilians amid the country’s ongoing civil war.

Key Findings of the UN Report

According to the UN Human Rights Office, investigators verified at least 702 civilian deaths during the six-month period following the military junta’s announcement that elections would be held. The report found that:

• 702 civilians were killed during the election period.
• Among the victims were 224 women and 153 children.
• Air attacks accounted for the majority of deaths and destruction.
• At least 505 civilians were killed in attacks involving fighter jets, drones, paramotors, and gyrocopters.

UN Assessment

The UN stated that:

“A minimum of 702 civilian deaths” were verified during the reporting period.

The report further noted:

“Air strikes remained the single largest cause of destruction and suffering.”

According to the findings, aerial attacks accounted for approximately 57% of all verified civilian deaths during the period.

Background

Myanmar has been engulfed in conflict since the military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized power in a coup in February 2021. The coup sparked nationwide protests and later evolved into a broad civil war involving pro-democracy resistance forces and ethnic armed organizations.

The UN and multiple human-rights organizations have repeatedly accused the military government of carrying out unlawful attacks on civilians, including airstrikes on villages, schools, hospitals, and religious sites.

Wider Human Rights Concerns

A previous UN report cited by Reuters found that since the 2021 coup:

• More than 5,350 civilians had been killed by mid-2024.
• Civilian deaths increased significantly as the military intensified airstrikes and artillery attacks.
• Thousands of people were arrested and detained, with reports of torture and deaths in custody.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has repeatedly warned that the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate and has called for stronger international action.

International Reaction

Human-rights groups and UN agencies have condemned the increasing use of aerial attacks. Earlier in 2026, UNICEF expressed alarm over military airstrikes that reportedly killed civilians, including children, and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

The UN report adds to growing international concern that attacks on civilian populations may constitute serious violations of international law and could amount to war crimes.

Sources

• United Nations Human Rights Office report summarized by AFP and international media.
• Reuters reporting on Myanmar civilian casualties and UN human-rights findings.
• Amnesty International assessment of the human-rights situation in Myanmar.