Dozens of Civilians Killed in Rakhine as Myanmar Regime Turns to Tested Strategy

Regime forces have intensified airstrikes on civilian areas across Arakan Army (AA)-controlled Rakhine State and neighboring Paletwa, killing dozens of civilians over the past month, according to the AA.

Observers say the escalating civilian attacks are aimed at pressuring the powerful ethnic rebel army to halt its offensive to capture the state capital Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, home to Chinese mega projects, and join the regime’s so-called “peace talks.”

Since July 10, regime airstrikes across Rakhine and Paletwa have killed 45 civilians, injured 101, and destroyed or damaged 64 homes, according to the AA Information Desk.