Arakan records most armed incidents, civilian-targeted airstrikes in Myanmar: Report

Damage seen in Taungphyu Village, Wera Thani (Pauktaw) Township, Rakhine State, following an airstrike by the Myanmar military on September 21, 2026. Photo : APM.

DMG Newsroom

26 September 2026, Yangon

Arakan State recorded the highest number of armed incidents and military airstrikes targeting civilians in Myanmar from September 18-24, according to a new report by Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica (NLTA).

At least 45 armed incidents were documented across 22 townships nationwide during the seven-day reporting period, with Arakan accounting for 10 incidents, the highest number among all states and regions, the report said.

The number of armed clashes nationwide declined compared with the previous week, but Arakan remained the country’s most active conflict area by the number of incidents documented by NLTA.

Combat engagements were the most common type of military operation nationwide, accounting for 31 incidents. Airstrikes and artillery attacks followed with four incidents each, while two drone attacks and two small-arms attacks were also documented.

The findings come amid continued fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), particularly around the Sittwe-Ponnagyun front, where clashes have intensified since early September.

Arakan also recorded the highest number of military airstrike incidents targeting civilians during the reporting period.

NLTA documented at least 36 civilian-targeted airstrike incidents across 24 townships in 12 states and regions between September 18 and 24. The attacks killed at least 25 civilians and injured 37 others nationwide.

Of the 36 incidents, 12 were recorded in Arakan, accounting for one-third of all civilian-targeted airstrike incidents documented nationwide during the week. The chart accompanying the report also indicates that the military carried out more individual air attacks in Arakan than in any other state or region during the period.

Arakan also recorded nine civilian deaths and six injuries from civilian-targeted attacks, making it the third-highest state or region for civilian casualties during the reporting period.

Sagaing Region recorded the highest civilian casualty figures, with 10 people killed and 20 injured, followed by Kachin State with seven deaths and 10 injuries.

Airstrikes were the most frequently documented form of attack targeting civilians nationwide, with 36 incidents, while civilian arrests were the second-most frequently recorded category, according to NLTA.

The figures for Arakan come as residents in several areas continue to face fighting, airstrikes and artillery fire. Recent clashes have been particularly intense along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun front, where the military has been conducting an offensive backed by air, artillery and naval firepower.

NLTA’s findings cover only incidents it was able to document and verify. The organisation said it collected information from 43 news media outlets and announcements issued by revolutionary organisations.

The report excludes unverified armed incidents and casualties, meaning the actual number of incidents and civilian casualties on the ground could be higher than the figures presented.

NLTA said its monitoring covers clashes between the Myanmar military and armed revolutionary forces, internal conflicts between armed groups, and civilian casualties resulting from armed incidents and targeted attacks.