Myanmar Airstrike in Rakhine Kills at Least 49 as Fighting Intensifies Across Several States

Naypyidaw (Terror Monitor) — At least 49 people were killed and 58 others wounded in an airstrike near a crowded market in Kyauktaw township in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State, as fighting between the military and armed resistance groups continues to intensify across several parts of the country.

The attack took place on September 28 near the India Market and the Kassapa Nadi Bridge in Kyauktaw, an area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). According to the Arakan Army and local rescue officials cited by the Associated Press, a military fighter jet dropped two bombs near the market around midday, when the area was crowded with vendors, shoppers and pedestrians. Twenty-two of the wounded were reportedly in critical condition.

The reported death toll subsequently rose to 50 after one of the critically wounded victims died while receiving treatment, according to local sources. However, the initial figure of 49 deaths and 58 injuries was cited by Reuters and other international media, while the exact toll remains difficult to independently verify because access to the area is restricted.

The Arakan Army accused Myanmar’s military of deliberately targeting the densely populated area and said it would take retaliatory action against those responsible. Myanmar’s military did not immediately issue a specific response to the Kyauktaw strike. The military has previously said that its air operations target legitimate military positions rather than civilians.

The United Nations expressed grave concern over the reported attack. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to hostilities, protection of civilians and compliance with international law. The UN said the violence demonstrated that conditions in Rakhine remained unsafe for the return of refugees and internally displaced people.

Fighting spreads across Rakhine

The Kyauktaw attack came amid continuing military operations across Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army has captured large areas since launching a major offensive against the Myanmar military in late 2023.

Local conflict-monitoring groups reported that Myanmar’s military carried out airstrikes in several Rakhine townships on September 28. The Kyauktaw strike was reportedly the deadliest of the attacks, while additional strikes were reported in other areas controlled or contested by the Arakan Army.

Rakhine has also faced severe humanitarian pressure, with fighting and restrictions on transportation and trade contributing to shortages of food and other essential supplies. The latest airstrike has further raised concerns about the safety of civilians living in areas controlled by the Arakan Army.

Clashes with Kachin Independence Army

Elsewhere in northern Myanmar, fighting has also been reported between the military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in areas of Kachin State and northern Shan State.

Local sources and KIA-linked reports have described heavy clashes around Momauk and Bhamaw, where resistance forces have been seeking to expand their control over strategic positions and routes. Claims that KIA and allied forces captured a major military position could not be independently verified.

The conflict in Kachin has intensified as ethnic armed organisations and allied resistance forces have attempted to seize military positions and territory, while the military has increasingly relied on airstrikes, artillery and other heavy weapons to defend its remaining positions.

Airstrikes reported in Karenni State

Air attacks have also continued in Karenni (Kayah) State, particularly around Demoso and other areas where resistance forces are active.

Local sources reported an airstrike in the Demoso area that injured five people, including children. Reports said fighter aircraft and a Y-12 aircraft were involved in bombing operations, alongside ground fire.

The reported incident follows a broader pattern of aerial attacks in Karenni during September. The Democratic Voice of Burma reported that at least 11 civilians were killed in Myanmar military airstrikes across Karenni State between September 1 and 15, including an unspecified number of children.

The Burma News International network separately reported that at least 12 civilians, including six children, had been killed in drone and air attacks in Karenni during the first three weeks of September.

Civilian casualties and arrests

Local sources have also reported civilian casualties in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy region. In the Tharapon area, a farmer was reportedly shot dead during the arrival of military troops, while three other civilians were reportedly detained after attempting to flee.

Those reports could not be independently verified, and no immediate official statement was available regarding the reported killing or arrests.

Conflict since the 2021 coup

Myanmar has been embroiled in armed conflict since the military seized power from the elected government in February 2021. The coup triggered nationwide protests that later developed into an armed resistance movement, while longstanding ethnic armed organisations intensified their campaigns against the military.

The conflict now involves the military, numerous ethnic armed organisations and a range of anti-junta resistance groups. The military has increasingly used airstrikes and artillery against areas held or contested by resistance forces, while armed groups have captured military bases and significant territory in several regions.

The United Nations estimates that the conflict has caused approximately 100,000 deaths and displaced more than 3.5 million people. The latest Kyauktaw attack has added to growing international concern over the escalating civilian toll and the deteriorating humanitarian situation across Myanmar.

The reported casualties in Kyauktaw remain subject to further verification as rescue and recovery operations continue, while fighting and airstrikes are being reported in several other parts of the country.