Myanmar junta airstrike mistakenly hits own troops in Kyaukphyu, injuring at least 19 soldiers

Mizzima

In an apparent case of friendly fire amid fierce fighting in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, junta forces mistakenly bombed their own troops, seriously injuring at least 19 soldiers, including an officer, according to military and local sources.

The incident occurred on 13 July near Gonechwain village, where military personnel advancing to reinforce front-line positions were misidentified as Arakan Army (AA) fighters and targeted by drone strikes, a local military source said.

“They bombed their own troops using drones. The exact number of casualties is still under investigation, but at least 10 soldiers were seriously injured,” he said.

CDM Captain Zin Yaw, speaking with Mizzima, confirmed the incident and said the number of critically wounded was likely higher.