Historical heritage losses mount as junta destroys ancient pagodas in Arakan State

Damage at Guwa Cave Pagoda caused by military junta air and artillery attacks on September 4. Photo: Wai Hun Aung

DMG Newsroom

10 September 2026, Ponnagyun

Destruction of historical heritage sites is rising in war-torn Arakan State as the military junta attacks ancient pagodas in violation of international laws protecting cultural heritage, according to local residents.

On September 4, the military junta launched air and artillery strikes against the historical Guwa Cave Pagoda in Ponnagyun Township, destroying stupas, Buddha images, and statues of the 500 Arhats.

Fierce battles continue along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border, with military units based in Sittwe firing heavy artillery alongside intensive aerial bombardments.

Ponnagyun residents strongly condemned the military regime for attacking and damaging historical heritage sites protected under the laws of armed conflict.

"Exchanging fire in combat is not unusual, but bombing and destroying civilian areas and ancient heritage sites is completely repulsive," said a local man in Ponnagyun Township.

Situated beside the Sittwe-Ponnagyun road, Guwa Cave Pagoda is a 450-year-old historical heritage site. Constructed in AD 1531 by King Min Bar, it is one of nine famous cave pagodas in Arakan State.

Throughout the conflict in Arakan State, military junta troop deployments, bombardments, and intentional shelling have damaged numerous historical pagodas, stupas, and heritage structures.

Arakanese citizens are urging the United Nations not to remain silent over the military junta's violations of the laws of armed conflict and to take decisive action against the destruction of cultural sites.

"The military junta is openly violating the Hague Convention. The Arakan Army has conducted no military operations at these historical sites. Looking at the recent battle for Mrauk-U makes that clear. This is intentional destruction of historical evidence and cultural heritage, and the UN should document these violations by the Myanmar military," said a youth in Mrauk-U.

Among the historical pagodas and monuments damaged by military junta attacks across Arakan State are the Cultural Museum, Thin Kyit Taung Pagoda, Lin Mway Taung Pagoda, and Shwe Taung Pagoda in Mrauk-U; Kyain Taung Pagoda in Minbya; and Thein Taung Pagoda and Ko Ram Taung Pagoda in Ramree Township.

Additionally, the 31 Common Pagoda (also known as the Thon Sae Ta Bon Pagoda or 31 Bon Pagoda) in Buthidaung Township, as well as Rathedaung Taung Pagoda in Rathedaung Township and Kyauktaung Pagoda in Kyauktaw Township, have suffered severe damage from months of military junta troop encampments, artillery shelling, and airstrikes, causing irreplaceable cultural losses.

Due to regional instability and the threat of military junta air attacks, local authorities and communities are unable to conduct restoration work, raising fears that exposure to the weather will further degrade the damaged structures.

"While seeking international recognition, there are significant technical constraints in preserving ancient sites. Although the United League of Arakan (ULA) cannot fully commit to large-scale restoration during active conflict, they should consider measures to minimize damage and preserve historical heritage within current capacities," said a local man in Kyauktaw Township.

Although international humanitarian law stipulates that religious and cultural heritage must be protected during armed conflict, the military junta continues to commit war crimes without complying with these protections.

Across the country, the military junta conducts airstrikes targeting civilian areas, hospitals, clinics, schools, and displacement camps, resulting in daily civilian casualties and severe human rights violations.

Meanwhile, limited action by international bodies, including the United Nations, allows the military regime to act with impunity while continuing to commit documented war crimes.