Military junta’s airstrikes in Toungup and Thandwe Townships in Arakan State have resulted in a total of 25 civilian casualties – 10 deaths and 15 injuries, as of 4 October this year.
On 4 October, military jet fighters attacked Kin Taung model village in Taungup Township twice – once after 2am and again after 3pm – killing nine locals and injuring 13 others, according to local sources.
The two airstrikes in one day forced residents of Kin Taung and nearby villages to flee to safer areas.
A resident of Kin Taung village stated, “There’s no one left in the village now. People are fleeing to nearby safer areas. This morning, we heard the sound of drones flying again. People are worried there might be another attack. Those who were injured yesterday are being treated at nearby clinics.”
Three severely injured villagers from Kin Taung died while receiving medical treatment, and an elderly woman also died after being trapped in a bomb shelter, the resident reported.
Among the injured were individuals who were helping with the funerals of those killed in the first airstrike, he added.
On 1 October, an airstrike and bombing of Nyaung Chay Htauk village in Thandwe Township hit a monastery, killing one man and injuring a youth.
Commenting on the airstrikes targeting civilian areas, an Arakanese military analyst said, “Firstly, it’s to destroy the Arakha Army’s strategy and create the perception that people are being bombed because of the AA. Secondly, they’re injuring civilians to locate AA hospitals and clinics, then using drones for reconnaissance afterwards.”
The number of civilian casualties from the military’s airstrikes in AA-controlled areas in Arakan State is increasing daily, and the international community is being called upon to take effective action against these acts.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)