Myanmar junta airstrikes hit three Dawei District townships, killing civilians and displacing residents

Mizzima

At around 10:30 am on 17 September, the Myanmar military junta launched coordinated aerial bombings across three townships in Dawei District – Dawei, Launglon, and Thayetchaung – using Y-12 support aircraft, according to local sources.

Multiple villages were targeted in the strikes. In Dawei Township, the eastern villages of Wetthay, Pakhet, and Pakari were bombed. Simultaneously, Waydi, Kyetyettwin, Thapyayshaung, Yabeinn, and Kyaukpon villages in Launglon Township and Oketu, Kinshey, and Moeshowegon Sha villages in Thayetchaung Township were attacked.

A resident of Dawei told Mizzima, “They said Min Aung Hlaing, or someone important, is in Dawei. They’ve deployed a large number of forces because a high-ranking leader is there, but today’s airstrikes are intentionally targeting civilian areas.”

The airstrikes took place despite the absence of active conflict in the targeted zones, killing and injuring civilians. The exact number of casualties remains under investigation, but reports confirm that several residents have fled their homes in fear of further attacks.

A local from Launglon shared the tragedy of a couple who had taken refuge in Waydi village, believing it to be a safer location.

“Both the mother-in-law and son-in-law were killed in the airstrike. The woman was severely injured, and around four other people were also wounded,” the resident said.