Airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery shelling by the military junta have destroyed more than 500 homes across eight villages in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, as intense fighting continues, according to local sources.
According to data collected, from 20 February to 15 April, at least 524 homes in the villages of U Kin, Kyet Tein, Shauk Chaung, Kat Tha Pyay, Kyan Chaing, Daunt Chaung, Pyin Shey, and Ku Lar Bar in Kyaukphyu were destroyed.
A man from U Kin said: “Most of the houses were burned down after drone-dropped incendiary bombs sparked fires that spread. Some homes were also destroyed by artillery strikes and airstrikes. The main problem is that the military deliberately targeted the villages, which led to these losses.”
According to data collected, 180 homes were destroyed in U Kin, 174 in Kyet Tein, 120 in Shauk Chaung, 18 in Kyan Chaing, 15 in Kat Tha Pyay, 13 in Daunt Chaung, and two each in Pyin Shey and Ku Lar Bar.
Residents of these villages have fled their homes and are currently staying with relatives in other villages or in locations arranged by the United League of Arakan/Arakha Army (ULA/AA). They are facing various challenges with shelter and food, sources report.
“Fleeing in the chaos of the fighting meant leaving behind everything we’ve worked for our whole lives—our belongings, harvested rice, and crops in the houses. Everything left behind was consumed by the fires, and now we’re struggling to survive,” said a man from Kyet Tein village.
In addition to the villages where homes were destroyed, around 20 villages—including Hnan Hpe Taung, Pyaing Sayt Kay, Kan Dee, Min Dat Taung, War Taw, Ma Au Taw, and Ku Lar Bar Taung Gyi—have seen over 24,000 residents forced to flee due to the junta’s actions.
Fighting is currently ongoing near Sit Taw, Hnan Hpe Taung, and Pyin Shey villages in Kyaukphyu Township.
Meanwhile, the junta has frequently shelled non-conflict zones, including Sin Boke, Min Pyin, and Zin Chaung villages, with artillery, according to locals.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)