Myanmar Junta Turns to Civilian Airstrikes After Rakhine Offensive Fails
A major month-long offensive launched by the Myanmar military in Arakan (Rakhine) State has failed to make strategic gains, driving junta forces to launch severe airstrikes against civilian targets, local military analysts and rights groups reported.
The offensive, codenamed "Operation 4926," launched at midnight on September 4, 2026, marked its one-month mark on October 4.
During the operation, the junta deployed thousands of troops backed by heavy artillery and air and naval support.
Forces launched multi-pronged attacks targeting southern Ponnagyun Township, an area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). Junta troops advanced along at least five ground routes from Sittwe Township, crossing the Min Chaung Bridge near Ah Myint Kyun to attack Kun Taung, Wa Bo, and Taw Kan villages.
At the same time, forces moved from Shwe Min Gan toward Sabar Htar, Ye Yo Pyin, and Kha Maung Taw in Ponnagyun.
Arakan Army spokesperson U Khine Thu Kha said junta troops attempted advances from at least seven positions along the waterway extending from Ah Myint Kyun’s Min Chaung to the mouth of Shwe Min Gan Creek.
However, strong resistance from the AA inflicted heavy casualties, killing and wounding hundreds of junta soldiers and forcing a retreat.
The AA said Operation 4926 encompasses a broader push across Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships in Rakhine State, as well as adjacent areas in the Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Magway regions, and southern Chin State.
Despite the scale of the offensive, military analysts say the junta has suffered severe setbacks, losing multiple outposts and a significant number of personnel as prisoners of war, along with weapons and ammunition.
On September 20, the AA released photographs and video interviews featuring captured junta soldiers.
Testimonies from at least three captives—including Private Aung Pyae Sone and a soldier identified as Michel—alleged that military commanders forced troops to consume illicit drugs before sending them into combat.
Local sources report that junta operations in the area have effectively collapsed, with the AA launching counter-offensives toward the state capital, Sittwe.
In response to ground losses, the military has intensified aerial bombardments against civilian areas across Rakhine State.
Rakhine human rights activist U Myat Tun strongly condemned the attacks, stating that the military council launched the offensive in Rakhine under "Operation 4926" but failed, and after facing massive losses, resorted to bombing and killing Rakhine civilians.
The human toll on non-combatants continues to escalate sharply. On September 28, 2026, a junta airstrike targeted the crowded India Market and a nearby bridge in Kyauktaw Township, killing 50 civilians and wounding 58 others.
Just days later, on October 4, an aerial attack struck the Byar La displacement camp in Ponnagyun Township, killing six displaced civilians and injuring 11.
Relentless bombardments have also been reported across Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Thandwe, and Kyaukphyu townships, signaling what analysts describe as the junta's inability to achieve conventional military victories in the region.
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