The Arakan Army (AA) has issued a statement declaring their intention to strongly retaliate against the military following an airstrike on two schools in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, which resulted in the death of 19 students. The military conducted an aerial attack at 1:05 AM on September 12, targeting the Panya Pan Khin and Myint Thit schools in Thayet Pin village, Kyauktaw Township. Two 500-pound bombs were dropped, which exploded directly in front of the Panya Pan Khin Private High School, causing the deaths of 19 students and injuring 22 others.
Throughout 2025, the military has conducted numerous airstrikes in Rakhine State, targeting civilian areas in what appears to be retaliatory actions for their military losses and territorial defeats. On January 8, an airstrike on Kyauk Ni Maw village in Ramree Township killed 26 civilians. Another attack on January 18 near Ram Chaung village in Mrauk-U Township resulted in the deaths of 28 people, including women and children. Further attacks included a May 13 strike on Htun Ywa Haung village in Rathedaung Township killing 12 civilians, attacks on May 14 and 15 in Ywa Ma ward of Kyauktaw Township killing 8 people, and an August 25 strike on Dain Gyi ward in Mrauk-U Township resulting in 15 civilian deaths.
The Arakan Army has called for the international community to take effective action against these inhumane acts and war crimes committed by the military, rather than remaining passive observers. The AA has announced that they will submit evidence of the military’s war crimes to relevant international organizations and will work with appropriate institutions to achieve justice. They have also declared their intention to take severe retaliatory action against all perpetrators, those who ordered these attacks, and anyone involved in these crimes. The statement emphasizes their commitment to pursuing justice in collaboration with organizations and individuals who value fairness and justice.
