Over 10 civilians reported dead in Myanmar junta airstrike on Sittwe in Rakhine

Mizzima

Local residents informed Mizzima that 11 civilians, including children, were killed when Myanmar military forces conducted an airstrike on crowded wards in Sittwe, Rakhine State, this morning 23 October shortly after 7:00 AM.

A Sittwe resident stated that a Y-12 transport plane dropped two bombs near the Shwe Ngar Bakery intersection between Maw Leik and Kyaung Tet Lan wards, as well as near the Ka Thit Taw junction.

“A Y-12 circled around 7:00 AM and dropped two bombs near the Shwe Ngar Bakery intersection. Since it was a busy morning hour, many people at the junction were hit,” a resident of Maw Leik ward told Mizzima.

The airstrike resulted in five immediate fatalities. Out of 20 critically injured individuals transported to the hospital, six more succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to 11.

Investigations are ongoing to confirm the detailed list of victims and their gender.

“Some of the critically injured who reached the hospital have passed away, and their identities are still being verified. It is devastating as children are among the wounded. Everyone in the city is living in fear of further airstrikes,” said a local providing assistance.

Currently, Sittwe residents are seeking refuge in secure shelters due to the threat of further aerial attacks, while the injured continue to receive emergency medical treatment at the hospital.

Intense daily clashes persist as the Arakan Army (AA) launches offensives to seize control of Sittwe, while military junta forces reinforce their presence to prevent the city’s fall.