Two Rakhine displaced brothers killed in junta airstrike in Ayeyarwady Division

Maung Sar Ga |

Narinjara, August 8, 2026

A military junta airstrike on Thae Phyu Village in Tharpaung Township, located on the border of Rakhine (Arakan) State and Ayeyarwady Division, has killed two displaced brothers and destroyed several homes, according to local sources.

The victims were identified as Ko Nga Soe, 40, and Ko Hla Htwe, 30.

The brothers had previously fled the ongoing conflict in Gwa Township, Rakhine State, and had been sheltering in the area for nearly two years.

Local reports indicate the deaths occurred during a Myanmar Air Force aerial bombing at approximately 5:00 a.m. on August 5.

"Thae Phyu and its surrounding villages are predominantly inhabited by Rakhine people," a local military source stated.

"The junta army is currently withdrawing from this area, leaving destroyed houses in its wake. The villages at the foot of the Yoma Mountains have become increasingly dangerous to live in."

Thae Phyu Village and surrounding communities, including Sin Kae, Daik Kai, Sin Sa, Kyauk Chaung, and Bok Chaung, sit at the eastern foot of the Rakhine Yoma Mountains.

This border region serves as a critical transit route for people fleeing the war in Rakhine State. Because of its volatile nature, junta forces have struggled to maintain a permanent presence, resulting in a continuous cycle of troop deployments and withdrawals.

The border area has become a primary combat zone as the Arakan Army (AA) conducts military operations against regime forces.

While the junta has established a base near Thae Phyu Village to launch assaults into the AA-controlled mountains, its advance has stalled. Despite reinforcing its troops since late July, the military has failed to reach the foot of the Yoma Mountains due to fierce AA counterattacks.

Faced with mounting casualties on the ground, the military has increasingly relied on heavy artillery, drone strikes, and aerial bombardments on days when there is no direct infantry engagement.