Multiple civilian casualties have been reported following military council airstrikes on three locations under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State, according to local sources and APM regional news. The attacks occurred around 10 PM on June 7th, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries, and destruction of residential properties. The military council targeted three specific locations, including areas where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were seeking shelter.
The airstrikes specifically targeted Ward 8 in Thandwe town, an IDP camp at Kyauk Gyi Village High School, and another IDP shelter at the Pu Son Zay School. Local humanitarian workers report that while there are confirmed casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, the exact numbers remain unclear due to communication blackouts in the region. A local social worker stated, ‘Three locations were bombed, including areas where displaced people were staying. There are reports of casualties and deaths, but we cannot confirm the exact details due to telephone and internet lines being cut off, making communication extremely difficult.’
Despite the military council’s announcement of a temporary nationwide ceasefire from June 1st to June 30th, they have continued to conduct airstrikes and artillery attacks on civilian areas and revolutionary forces’ positions. This targeting of civilian areas and IDP camps represents a clear violation of international humanitarian law, as noted by human rights observers. The military council’s actions demonstrate a significant disconnect between their public statements and actual operations on the ground, as they continue to conduct offensive operations against both civilian targets and resistance positions during the declared ceasefire period. The attacks have particularly impacted vulnerable displaced populations who had sought refuge in these areas after fleeing from earlier conflicts.
