Regime escalates airstrikes in Arakan State despite peace invitation

DMG Newsroom

25 April 2026, Kyauktaw

While former military chief President Min Aung Hlaing has issued an invitation for peace talks, the Myanmar regime has simultaneously intensified continuous aerial bombardments across Arakan State.

Following the peace invitation, the regime deployed groups of aircraft to bomb Kyauktaw and Thandwe townships. Naval movements and shelling have also increased in Ramree and Taungup townships.

On April 24, the regime used six jet fighters and Y-12 aircraft to carry out bombing in Ngapali, Thandwe Township. This followed an earlier attack on April 23 involving three jet fighters.

"Locals remain in a state of constant fear regarding the threat of further airstrikes," said a local man from Thandwe.

Similarly, on April 22, the regime conducted repeated reconnaissance flights with Y-12 aircraft over the Arkar mountain range and Pichaung area in Kyauktaw Township before launching at least 10 bombs using jet fighters. Residents in Kyauktaw reported high levels of anxiety as Y-12 aircraft continued flying over the area.

"Kyauktaw has been hit the hardest by these airstrikes. Hearing that they are now attacking in groups rather than with a single plane is deeply concerning. People were terrified during the recent bombings, and we have to stay on high alert now that scout planes are circling again," said a local woman from Kyauktaw.

Since Lieutenant-General Tun Win took over as Myanmar Air Force Chief, aerial attacks across the country have intensified, leading to a daily increase in civilian casualties.

The regime’s peace invitation, effective for 100 days starting April 20, was extended to NCA signatories such as the KNU, CNF, and ABSDF, as well as non-signatory ethnic armed groups and the People's Defence Force PDF.

However, critics point out the contradiction between the regime’s talk of peace and its escalation of nationwide airstrikes.

"While they put on a show of inviting peace on one hand, they are increasing violence on the ground to maintain their grip on power. These airstrikes targeting civilians prove that the military council’s peace offer is merely a tactic to buy time for military purposes," commented an 88 Generation Arakanese student leader.

The regime is reportedly planning to increase offensives after declaring martial law in 60 townships, including those controlled by the Arakan Army. In Arakan State, the regime is making efforts to recapture AA controlled territories through coordinated ground, air, and naval operations.