Myanmar Military Bombing Damages Major Rakhine Buddha Image at Taungphu Pagoda

Narinjara, September 21, 2026

Reports indicate that the Myanmar military conducted an airstrike damaging the Taungphu Pagoda, which houses one of the largest Buddha images in Arakan (Rakhine) State, in the early hours of September 20.

U Myat Htwan, a human rights activist from Wirahtani, told Narinjara that while the pagoda's main shrine hall sustained severe damage from the bombing, the prominent Buddha image itself remained unharmed.

According to local residents, the military junta carried out the airstrike using a jet fighter at around 1:00 AM on September 20. The attack targeted the Taungphu Pagoda in Wirahtani Township (formerly known as Pauktaw), a site deeply revered by the Rakhine people.

U Myat Htwan criticized the military's actions, stating that the targeting of religious sites reflects a troubling contradiction when compared to the regime's construction of other religious monuments, such as the Maravijaya Buddha image in Naypyidaw. He argued that the destruction of sacred pagodas constitutes a severe violation of cultural and religious values.

He noted that the Taungphu Pagoda is a major historical shrine, established and venerated in the Rakhine year 1237 in accordance with the prophecy known as "Ingyin Nyi Naung Myat Bhone Khaung."

Expressing deep sadness over the damage to the regional landmark, U Myat Htwan added that the desecration of the pagoda signifies a profound moral failure by the forces involved.

The aerial bombing of Taung Phu village also resulted in casualties. Daw Win Myat Aye (32) was killed, and Daw Aye Khin Thein (43) sustained severe injuries during the strike. Daw Win Myat Aye, the deceased, was reportedly visiting Taung Phu village from her home in Kywe Htoe Pyin village, located in Ponnagyun Township.

In addition to the religious site, the bombing caused extensive damage to the local village monastery, school buildings, and several residential homes.

Earlier this month, the military junta also bombed and damaged the historic Gu Wa cave pagodas in Ponnagyun Township, where fighting betw