Arakan Army Questions Junta’s Peace Overtures Following Deadly Weekend Airstrikes

Narinjara, 21 July 2026

The Arakan Army (AA) has publicly questioned the sincerity of Myanmar’s military junta after a series of deadly aerial bombardments hit three cities in Rakhine State on July 19, 2026.

The attacks took place in July, following a public call by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing for a 100-day peace initiative.

In a statement titled "The Fascist Terrorist Military Commission’s Single-Day Aerial Bombardments on Three Cities in Arakshaland," the AA highlighted the stark contradiction between the regime's words and its actions.

"Actions like these raise serious questions about the synchronization between speech and reality during this 100-day invitation to peace meetings," the AA statement read.

According to the AA, the synchronized air raids killed five innocent civilians and injured 26 others, including three Buddhist monks and several children. The attacks targeted infrastructure and residential areas across Ma Ei, Thandwe, and Ponnagyun townships.

At approximately 11:30 AM, a junta fighter jet dropped three 300-pound bombs on Wards 2 and 3 in Ma Ei Town of Taungup Township. The attack killed five civilians and injured 14 others, including a monk and multiple children.

A local Christian church and 20 residential homes were heavily damaged. Later that afternoon, between 4:06 PM and 4:24 PM, fighter jets returned for five separate strafing runs, injuring four more civilians with machine-gun fire.

At around 6:30 PM, a fighter jet dropped two 300-pound bombs near the Taung Pauk Monastery in Ponnagyun Township, injuring two monks and one civilian.

The military commission also launched intense aerial strikes targeting civilian areas in Thandwe Township within the town throughout the day.

In response to the escalating violence, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) vowed to retaliate. The group stated it will work alongside the Rakhine public, allied organizations, and neighboring territorial partners to counter future attacks by the military regime.