India, Dec. 11 -- A Myanmar military air strike on Wednesday evening hit the general hospital in Mrauk-U, western Rakhine state, killing at least 31 people and injuring dozens, according to an on-site aid worker.

Wai Hun Aung reported that 68 people were wounded, with casualties expected to rise.

At least 20 bodies were seen outside the hospital overnight.

The attack comes as the Myanmar military steps up its operations ahead of elections scheduled to begin on December 28.

Since seizing power in a 2021 coup, the junta has increased air strikes each year to regain control over areas held by ethnic and pro-democracy armed groups.

Rakhine state is largely controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority separatist group active bef...