At least 20 civilians killed in week-long Myanmar junta airstrikes across Rakhine State

Mizzima

At least 20 civilians have been killed and dozens more injured following a week of airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar junta on towns under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, according to local sources.

The air raids, which began in the first week of November, have resulted in nearly 30 deaths in recent days, said U Myat Tun, director of the Rakhine Human Rights Defenders Association.

“The military junta has been conducting bombings since 7 November, the birthday of General Twan Mrat Naing, Commander-in-Chief of the AA, and continued through to yesterday,” U Myat Tun told Mizzima.

“On 8 November, the junta bombed schools in Pauktaw and Ponnagyun towns, as well as the Kontaung and Yotaroke areas near Ponnagyun and Rathedaung. Prior to this, Panilar village was also bombed. If we estimate the total number of casualties, it could be between 20 to 30,” he added. Among the victims were children, students, and teachers.

A local source reported that Ponnagyun Township had been hit hardest.