Airstrikes over last three days kills nine and injures 15 in Rakhine State’s Thandwe

Three civilians were injured and seven homes were destroyed by fire resulting from an airstrike carried out by the Myanmar Air Force on Ward 1 in Thandwe Township on Wednesday. Thandwe, located 584 miles (939 km) south of the Arakan State capital Sittwe, was seized by the Arakan Army (AA) on Aug. 28, 2024.

“A fighter jet dropped bombs on the downtown area,” a Thandwe resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Two bombs reportedly landed in the town.

The AA confirmed the airstrike, claiming that the regime intentionally carried out the airstrikes as international attention was diverted for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Nine civilians, including three children, were killed by airstrikes in Thandwe’s famous Ngapali beach on Dec. 29. At least 12 others were injured and over 20 homes were destroyed.

The AA claimed that the regime targeted civilians, which is considered a war crime under international law. Regime media has not reported on the attacks in Thandwe. One woman was killed by an airstrike in Thandwe’s Ywarshay village on Dec. 25.

At least 33 people were killed in airstrikes on the People’s Hospital in Mrauk-U Township on Dec. 10. Mrauk-U is located 88-380 miles (142-611 km) north of Sittwe and Thandwe,

The AA has seized control of 14 out of 17 Arakan townships, as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chinland, since it launched an offensive against regime forces on Nov. 13, 2023.

Min Aung Hlaing declared martial law in all 15 AA-controlled townships, which includes Chinland’s Paletwa, after lifting the nationwide state of emergency on July 30.

The first phase of the regime’s 2025-26 elections was held in Sittwe, Manaung, and Kyaukphyu, which is under regime control. The 14 AA-controlled townships will not participate in the regime polls.

Fighting between the AA and regime forces took place in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe townships as voting got underway on Dec. 28. The next two phases of voting in the regime elections will take place on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25, 2026.