The Arakan Army (AA) has reported that military council airstrikes in Rakhine State have resulted in the death of 20 civilians and injured 37 others. During a three-day period from May 13 to May 15, the military council conducted systematic aerial bombardments in Kyauktaw and Rathedaung townships within Rakhine State. These attacks caused 8 civilian deaths and 14 injuries in Kyauktaw Township, while 12 civilians were killed and 23 were wounded in Rathedaung Township.
Specifically, on May 15 around 2 PM, military council forces conducted three separate airstrikes on Kyauktaw town, dropping more than 10 bombs. This attack resulted in 5 civilian deaths and 9 injuries. Additionally, on May 14 at 3:15 PM, another airstrike targeted residential areas in Kyauktaw town, killing 3 civilians and wounding 5 others. In Rathedaung Township, on May 13 at 10:05 AM, military aircraft bombed Htun Yawa Village (Old), resulting in 12 civilian deaths and 23 injuries. The attacks caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroying 27 houses in Kyauktaw town and 31 houses in Htun Yawa Village (Old), Rathedaung Township, bringing the total number of destroyed homes to 58.
Despite the military council’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire from May 6 to May 31, they have continued to conduct airstrikes and military operations throughout the country, including in Rakhine State. This ongoing military action has resulted in frequent civilian casualties and deaths, as reported by revolutionary forces and the National Unity Government. The military council’s actions demonstrate a clear pattern of continuing offensive operations despite their declared ceasefire, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement across the region.
