Junta reconnaissance aircraft circles over Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U, alarming residents
DMG Newsroom
7 November 2026, Kyauktaw
A military junta reconnaissance aircraft circled over Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships, areas under Arakan Army control in Arakan State, for more than an hour on November 7, causing fear and anxiety among local residents.
Between 9:00 a.m. and shortly after 10:00 a.m., a junta ATR 42 MPA reconnaissance aircraft was seen circling over Kyauktaw town and surrounding areas of Mrauk-U Township.
"Whenever a reconnaissance plane circles here, the military junta follows up with bombing raids, so we live in constant fear. Even while carrying on with our daily work, we remain terrified. It circled over the town this morning. Local residents are just trying to survive in fear, as we can no longer flee elsewhere every single time," said a male resident of Kyauktaw.
The aircraft was also seen circling over parts of Mrauk-U Township for about half an hour, beginning shortly after 9:00 a.m.
"We have to be cautious when a reconnaissance plane flies over. The military council typically conducts airstrikes after reconnaissance missions, so we are worried. Also, since today is the Arakan Army chief's birthday, we need to be particularly vigilant about possible air attacks," said a female resident of Mrauk-U.
The military junta has used drones and aircraft to conduct reconnaissance across Arakan State. It has also repeatedly carried out airstrikes that have hit civilian sites, including hospitals, schools, monasteries, markets and crowded public areas.
On the evening of November 1, the military junta launched an airstrike on a maternity ward and temporary healthcare clinic in Mrauk-U, killing five people, including a newborn baby, and injuring nine others.
On November 5, at around 11:00 p.m., the junta bombed Nankyar Village in Mrauk-U Township, killing a pregnant woman and injuring 11 other civilians.
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