On May 13 at around 10 AM, the military council conducted an airstrike on Thaung Hla Wei Village (Old) in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State, dropping two 500-pound bombs that killed 13 civilians, including children and mothers. The aerial attack also injured more than 20 people and destroyed 12 houses. Among the deceased were a 6-year-old child and a 10-year-old child, according to local sources. The incident has been confirmed by the Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha.
Thaung Hla Wei is a small village with approximately 200 households and has no military significance. The injured victims have been transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment, with some in critical condition. On the same day, the military council also attacked Leik Kamaw Village in Kyaukphyu Township using drones at around 4 AM, resulting in the destruction of the Leik Kamaw monastery by fire. Despite the military council’s announcement of a ceasefire until May 31, citing earthquake relief efforts, they continue to conduct daily airstrikes in Rakhine, Sagaing, Karenni, and Karen States.
The day before, on May 12, the military council bombed a school in Ohtein Kwin Village, Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, killing 22 children and two teachers, while injuring more than 60 people. These attacks demonstrate the military council’s continued use of airstrikes against civilian targets, despite their claims of a temporary ceasefire. The situation in Thaung Hla Wei Village highlights the ongoing pattern of violence against civilians, with local sources indicating that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue among the debris.
