A military airstrike on the private Panyanpankhin Education Training School in Tharaykonepin village, Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State has resulted in the death of 18 civilians including students, with many others injured. The attack occurred around 1 AM on September 12, when military aircraft conducted two bombing runs using highly explosive 500-pound bombs. Current reports confirm that 18 civilians, including students and teachers, have been killed and more than 20 others have been wounded, according to local sources.
Local residents confirmed that there were no active battles or military operations in the area at the time of the airstrike. The targeted area was a civilian zone where students were pursuing their education. The attack specifically targeted the school facility where civilians were present. Rescue operations are currently ongoing to search for people trapped under the destroyed buildings. Due to the high number of severely injured victims, the death toll is expected to rise, according to those involved in rescue operations.
A local humanitarian aid worker involved in assisting internally displaced persons in Kyauktaw reported that search efforts continue for those trapped under the collapsed structures, noting that most of the injured have sustained severe wounds and are in critical condition. The Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha has also confirmed through an official statement that 18 civilians were killed in the military’s airstrike on the Panyanpankhin High School in Kyauktaw. The devastating attack on this educational institution represents another instance of the military targeting civilian infrastructure and non-combatants in conflict areas.
