Many POWs, family members killed instantly in junta airstrike

Narinjara News, 21 January 2026

Numerous prisoners of war (POWs) and their family members were killed on the spot during an airstrike conducted by the junta at 7 pm on the evening of January 20, according to a press release from the Arakan Army.

The junta air force conducted an airstrike on the site where the prisoners of war and their family members were held in Kyauktaw township, located in northern Arakan (Rakhine) state.

Due to this attack, the family members of the prisoners of war and some relatives of the prisoners were killed on the spot.

“It is reported that the fascist terrorist military regime launched an attack on certain regions west of Chaung Tu village, located on the border between Kyauktaw Township and Ponnagyun Township, with two jet fighters dropping two bombs on the area.”

According to the press release, the air strike by the junta occurred right when the AA was preparing to free the prisoners from detention.

Details on the fatalities and injuries will be provided later.

The military commissariat air force had previously carried out airstrikes on locations where prisoners of war and their families were taken during battles with the AA.

On January 18, 2025, the junta air force attacked the temporary site of custody for prisoners of war and their relatives who had been held by the AA in Mrauk U Township.

According to the AA, junta jet fighters conducted three bombing raids in the vicinity of Ramchaung village, causing the deaths of 28 women and children, while 25 additional individuals were injured.