Military junta airstrikes in Arakan State over two days, 13 and 14 May 2025, left 15 local residents dead and around 30 others injured, according to local sources.
The junta targeted Htun Ya Wai village in Rathedaung Township, and Kyauktaw Town with airstrikes, causing mass civilian deaths. The Arakha Army (AA) has strongly condemned these actions in a statement.
AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said: “Deliberately targeting and attacking innocent civilians in peaceful areas is a cowardly act by the terrorist military council and a blatant war crime.”
The AA also condemned the military council for exploiting a unilateral ceasefire, extended until 31 May to facilitate humanitarian aid for earthquake-affected communities, to attack civilians.
On 13 May, an airstrike in Htun Ya Wai village in Rathedaung Township, killed 12 people, injured 23, and destroyed 31 homes.
Among those killed were nine women, two children, and two men, while the injured included 16 women, nine children, and seven men.
The casualties included four displaced persons from Sittwe, 30 from Htun Ya Wai (Ywar Haung) village, and one from Rathedaung town.
Similarly, on the evening of 14 May, an airstrike on Kyauktaw’s Ywar Ma Ward killed three displaced persons, injured five, and damaged nine homes.
Regarding the targeted attacks by the junta, the AA has expressed solidarity with the families and relatives of those killed, documenting the military council’s ongoing war crimes and mass killings of innocent civilians across the country.
A resident of Htun Ya Wai said: “We urge the international community to pressure the military council to stop these terrorist acts. We want global action to halt bombings on civilian areas and to block the sale of aviation fuel and weapons.”
The resident also noted that survivors in Htun Ya Wai receiving medical treatment urgently need aid, as they have lost homes and possessions, facing significant hardships.
Currently, the AA has maintained a unilateral ceasefire from April to 31 May, halting offensive operations. Despite this, the military council continues relentless airstrikes.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)