Myanmar: 59 Civilians Killed in Military Operations in First Two Weeks of August

Naypyidaw (Terror Monitor) — Civilian deaths and armed clashes have been reported across Myanmar amid ongoing military operations. In Rakhine State, airstrikes reportedly killed two civilians, including a father and his daughter, and wounded three others. Meanwhile, resistance groups claimed that more than 50 military personnel were killed in clashes in Magway Region.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), 59 civilians, including children, were killed across Myanmar as a result of military operations between August 1 and 14.

Father and daughter killed in Rakhine airstrike

Military aircraft reportedly carried out airstrikes near Thandwe and the Maung Shwe Lay Naval Base in Rakhine State on the morning of August 16.

Local sources said a 500-pound bomb struck a residential area in Ward No. 8 of Thandwe at around 7 a.m., killing 50-year-old Min Naung and his 14-year-old daughter, Ma Chwan Lae Shwe Ri, at the scene.

Three other people — 45-year-old Zay Ya Min Lin, two-year-old Ma Shwe Moe Yae Tho and 40-year-old Daw Thi Thi Moe — were reportedly injured. Local residents said some of the injured were in critical condition.

Relief workers said civilians in Thandwe and nearby areas continue to face serious risks because of repeated airstrikes.

On August 10, an airstrike on Kyauk Gyi village in Thandwe reportedly killed 16 civilians and wounded 18 others.

Similarly, an airstrike in Sami, Chin State, on the night of August 12 reportedly killed a 16-year-old girl and wounded eight people. On August 13, airstrikes on Kyan Thali town and Kwin Kone village in Gwa Township reportedly killed eight people, including children.

Resistance groups claim more than 50 troops killed

In Magway Region, resistance groups claimed that more than 50 military personnel were killed during clashes with government forces in Pauk and Myaing townships.

The resistance groups said the clashes were part of a joint military operation launched under the name “Anyar Thama.” They claimed that more than 30 clashes had taken place at various locations since early June, resulting in at least 50 military personnel being killed.

The groups also claimed that four military personnel defected and joined the resistance, while large quantities of weapons and ammunition were seized.

According to the resistance groups, around 20 armed groups participated in the operation. They alleged that a military column burned approximately 300 civilian homes in 11 villages across Pauk and Myaing townships and killed 24 civilians.

The groups said that on August 14, a military column supported by airstrikes reached the Kyauk Khok oil field and nearby Taung Son village, with airstrikes continuing in the area through the evening of August 15.

AAPP reports 59 civilian deaths in two weeks

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said 59 civilians, including five children, were killed in military operations across Myanmar between August 1 and 14.

The organization said it had verified the identities and deaths of 38 of those killed, while investigations into the remaining 21 cases were continuing.

According to AAPP, Rakhine State recorded the highest number of civilian deaths, with 19 reported fatalities. The organization said 34 of the 59 reported deaths resulted from military airstrikes.

AAPP also reported that an elderly woman was killed by artillery fire in Min Ya village in Sagaing Region’s Pinlebu Township on August 11.

The organization’s figures indicate that more than four civilians were killed on average each day during the first two weeks of August as a result of military operations.