Why Is Myanmar's Military Junta Bombing Arakan State Day After Day?

Khaing Lu Hla (Roma MraNarinjara News, November 3, 2026

The military junta is conducting daily, continuous aerial bombardments across Arakan (Rakhine) State because it is suffering catastrophic defeats on the ground, according to statements released by the Arakan Army (AA).

In a press release, the AA detailed that the military council's massive counter-offensive, code-named "Operation 4926," is facing heavy casualties and equipment losses on every active front. Unable to make territorial progress or secure ground victories, the junta has increasingly resorted to a scorched-earth strategy, deploying relentless airstrikes that deliberately target local civilians.

Recent battlefield reports highlight a string of severe setbacks for the military regime across multiple townships in Arakan state.

On the afternoon of October 31, a Myanmar military column attempted to advance along the strategic Taline Taung–Thaphan Yaung mountain pass—a critical route connecting Ma Ei Town with Mindon in mainland.

AA forces intercepted the column, forcing junta troops to retreat after suffering heavy casualties. Battlefield sources told Narinjara that the AA subsequently surrounded and attacked the retreating forces between Kan Kyo and Nga Kone, seizing weapons and the bodies of fallen soldiers.

The military has experienced significant losses in recent clashes within Kyaukphyu Township, specifically around Taung Maw Oo and Sane town, as well as in Min Byint village.

Elite AA snipers have reportedly dismantled junta command structures in these areas, killing several soldiers, including an officer holding the rank of Major.

Fierce engagement broke out on Nga Pyi Island, located along the Kaladan River. AA troops completely overwhelmed an advancing junta column, resulting in high casualties and the mass surrender of surviving government forces.

Intense fighting has gripped the regional capital of Sittwe throughout September and October. The AA confirmed it recently downed a military paramotor near the Nat Yay Kan strategic hill, further exposing the vulnerability of the junta's aerial operations.

Among the high-ranking casualties, family members confirmed that Major Aung Kyaw Moe, a native of Paukkaung, was killed in battle on October 27. His body could not be recovered by retreating regime forces.

Human rights groups and independent analysts echo the AA's assessment, noting that the junta’s escalation of airstrikes represents a desperate bid to force the resistance into submission. By targeting residential communities, busy marketplaces, and displacement camps, the military hopes to break public morale and deter citizens from supporting the AA’s administration.

"Despite an intense aerial campaign, the military appears to be rapidly losing its grip on the state, with recent reports indicating it may have even lost control of its vital Regional Operations Command (ROC) headquarters in Sittwe."

The enemy’s offensive momentum shows no signs of waning; however, their persistent attempts to advance have resulted in heavy casualties and substantial material losses.

According to an official statement, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully targeted and destroyed naval vessels belonging to the "terrorist military" on the Sittwe front on October 26. Additionally, on the Nat Yay Kan front, the AA brought down a military supply aircraft.

Intense clashes persist along the borders of the Arakan region, where junta forces are reportedly suffering significant casualties. The military's losses continue to mount both across the Arakan battlefields and within the neighboring Irrawaddy Region.

Meanwhile, growing scrutiny from junior officers and police personnel has raised serious questions regarding the military junta’s leadership. A post published by the "Special News Unit – Pathein in Ayeyawady Division" indicates that discontent is surging within the ranks. Family members of military personnel increasingly find their lives jeopardized by a command structure entirely devoid of accountability.

Following its failure to secure tactical victories on the ground, the junta launched relentless aerial bombardments on November 1 and 2, according to the AA statement.

These airstrikes deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including medical clinics, bridges, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, across at least four townships in the Arakan region. The bombardments resulted in 12 civilian fatalities, including children, and left 32 others injured.y)