According to local news sources and residents’ reports, 11 civilians were killed when the military council conducted an airstrike using a 500-pound bomb on Dainggyi Ward, a residential area in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State. The airstrike occurred at 11:30 PM on August 25, 2023, with the bomb striking near an agricultural warehouse in Dainggyi Ward, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians and injuries to 21 others.
A Yangon-based activist from Mrauk-U, who maintains contact with local residents, reported that the bombing caused fires in the ward and resulted in high casualties due to its proximity to residential areas. He stated that there were no active battles in the area at the time of the attack, and most residents had returned to living in the city with fewer people remaining displaced. Although most houses in the city have bomb shelters, residents did not have time to take cover during this particular attack. Due to internet restrictions, communication is only possible with homes that have Starlink connections, making it difficult to obtain complete information about the identities of those killed and injured.
According to air surveillance groups, the military aircraft that conducted the airstrike on Mrauk-U city originated from the Naypyidaw airport. These deliberate attacks on civilian areas continue to result in innocent civilian casualties and destruction of homes. The incident highlights the ongoing pattern of military council attacks targeting civilian populations, causing loss of life and property damage in residential areas where there is no active conflict.
