Myanmar Air Force strikes kill at least 10 civilians at Rakhine State market and bridge

A photo taken on the Kissapanadi Bridge in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, after airstrikes hit on Sept. 28. (Credit: CJ)

At least 10 civilians were killed and an unknown number of others were injured during airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar Air Force on the “Indian Market” and the Kissapanadi Bridge in Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township on Monday.

“Targeting a civilian area where there’s no ongoing conflict is a war crime,” a Kyauktaw resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Under international law, a war crime constitutes the targeting or killing of civilians.

Kyauktaw, located 60 miles (96 km) north of the state capital Sittwe, was seized by the Arakan Army (AA) in February 2024.

Three separate airstrikes reportedly hit the market and the adjacent bridge, which spans the Kaladan River, on a road linking Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Myebon townships—all seized by the AA in 2024.

The four towns are located 60-135 miles (96-217 km) north and southeast of Sittwe. Kyauktaw residents told DVB that entry gates into the town and all public markets were closed on Sept. 28.

At least six residents have been killed and 16 others have been injured by airstrikes across territory under AA control, which includes 14 out of Arakan’s 17 townships, as well as neighboring Chin State’s Paletwa Township, from Sept. 17-27.

The AA accused the Myanmar military of targeting schools, religious buildings, healthcare facilities and civilian areas with airstrikes as its “Operation 4926” continues to falter since it was launched on Sept. 4.

At least two civilians were killed in simultaneous airstrikes on Arakan’s Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Gwa and Minbya townships on Sept. 21. The four towns, located 20-400 miles (32-643 km) northeast and south of Sittwe, were seized by the AA in 2024.

The AA launched its most recent offensive against regime forces on Nov. 13, 2023. Since then, it has expanded attacks into neighbouring Ayeyarwady, Bago and Magway regions in 2025. Sittwe, the deep sea port town of Kyaukphyu, and the island of Manaung are under regime control in the state.