MIP documents continued threats from Myanmar junta airstrikes on civilians

Mizzima

The Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), in its report Report on Communication Disruptions and Impacts in Regions Affected by Airstrikes (July–September 2026), documents the continued use of air power by Myanmar’s military junta and the close association between airstrikes and internet shutdowns. The report highlights the growing risks faced by civilians in conflict-affected areas where access to communication is restricted.

Between July and September 2026, MIP recorded 581 airstrike incidents across 99 townships in 13 regions and states, with Yangon Region the only region not affected. This represented an 11.73 per cent increase compared with the previous quarter. Sagaing Region was the most geographically affected, with 23 townships experiencing airstrikes, followed by Rakhine State with 15 and Magway Region with 12.

Rakhine State recorded the highest number of individual strikes, at 122, followed by Sagaing with 107 and Magway with 106. Together, these three areas accounted for approximately 62.65 per cent of all recorded incidents. According to MIP, these regions have experienced intense armed conflict as the junta continues its efforts to regain territorial control.

One of the report’s most significant findings is the relationship between airstrikes and restricted communications. Of the 581 incidents recorded, 562, or 96.88 per cent, occurred in areas experiencing internet shutdowns. These disruptions make it more difficult for civilians to obtain warnings, communicate with relatives, access assistance and report attacks. They also hinder the collection of reliable information about casualties and damage.

MIP documented at least 353 civilian deaths during the reporting period. Those killed included at least 90 women, 34 children and 43 elderly people. The report warns that the actual death toll could be significantly higher because communication restrictions prevented information from emerging from some affected areas.

Airstrikes also damaged essential civilian infrastructure, including 39 religious buildings, mostly monasteries, 16 schools, four hospitals and clinics, two internally displaced people’s camps, three bridges and three markets. Most of the affected sites were located in areas experiencing communication shutdowns.

The report concludes that the junta’s continued reliance on air power, combined with internet restrictions, leaves civilians particularly vulnerable. The destruction of healthcare facilities, schools, religious buildings and displacement camps further undermines civilian safety and access to essential services. MIP also highlights attacks on markets with no apparent military connection, which it says resulted in mass civilian casualties.