Myanmar Military Bombs Rakhine IDP Camps in Retaliatory Airstrikes

Narinjara, June 1, 2026

In retaliation for heavy casualties sustained in ongoing clashes with the Arakan Army, the Myanmar military has launched targeted airstrikes on areas in Rakhine State sheltering displaced civilians.

Beginning at around 9:00 a.m. on June 1, 2026, four fighter jets and a Y12 helicopter gunship bombed IDP encampments and surrounding mountains, primarily around Sal Pyin and Kin Taung in Taungup Township, local sources told Narinjara.

"These are the areas around Sa Pyin, Kin Taung, and nearby locations in Taungup Township where IDPs are temporarily sheltering," a local resident said.

"The Myanmar military bombed them from the air. I don't know how they got the information. The planes bombed the forests and hills around these villages in groups. There are still people who have not returned to their villages and are still running away."

Reports indicate that some IDPs sustained injuries during the bombings. However, severe communication disruptions in the region have hindered efforts to gather detailed casualty figures.

Similarly, at around 8:00 p.m. on June 1, the area between Kala Pong Taung and Ram Thit Gyi villages near the Taungup–Ramree road was bombed.

According to local residents, these locations serve as temporary shelters for IDPs who fled villages near the Taung Maw Oo (Taung Maw Gyi) Naval Base, where fighting between junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA) is ongoing in Kyaukphyu Township.

"Local displaced people are temporarily sheltering in these areas. The main target was the area around the dam. There are displaced people who have fled from the Taung Maw Gyi navy base area. The junta air force dropped at least four bombs, so there may be casualties," one resident stated.

Displaced residents continue to flee as the military's aerial attacks persist. Having suffered significant casualties during offensives against AA-controlled areas and facing continued threats to the Taung Maw Gyi Naval Base, the junta has increasingly targeted civilian populations.

In a related escalation, the military dropped incendiary bombs on Sane town near the naval base, destroying hundreds of shops and houses.

Because the air force frequently deploys reconnaissance aircraft prior to bombing runs, local residents are advised to remain highly vigilant for surveillance planes.