Regime airstrike on Kyeintali kills 11 civilians, injures 11 others

By Admin 17 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
17 August 2024, Gwa

At least 11 civilians including two children were killed, and 11 others were injured in a junta airstrike on Kyeintali Town, part of Arakan State's Gwa Township, on Thursday.

The civilian casualties were reported after a junta jet fighter dropped bombs on Kyeintali, hitting a church in the downtown area on the afternoon of August 15.

"There was no fighting in Kyeintali when a junta jet fighter dropped bombs on the town," said a local resident in Gwa Township. "Several civilians who are taking refuge at the church were killed and injured in the regime air assault. Among the deceased are two children and six women."

The victims are reportedly residents of Kyeintali's Ward-2. Eleven people who were injured in the junta air attack - six women and five men - are said to be receiving treatment from the Arakkha Army (AA).

The deceased have been identified as Ma Nyein Yati, 12; Maung Hla Min Tun, 15; Ma Zin Myo Tun, 21; Daw Hla Hsan, 30; Daw Khin Moe Wai, 37; Daw Kyu Kyu Win, 61; Daw Nyunt Tin, 63; Daw Hla Hla Win, 65; Ko Pyae Phyo Aung, 29; U Min Tun Thein, 38; and U Kyaw Sein, 63.

No clashes have been reported in Kyeintali since dozens of junta soldiers retreated from the town on August 13 amid an AA offensive targeting the town. The regime has reportedly cut off internet and mobile phone access in Kyeintali.

"Targeting civilians without combat is a war crime," said an activist in Arakan State. "It has become necessary for the international community to take effective action against the regime's airstrikes."

Regime soldiers retreating from Kyeintali Town have reportedly been stationed in Kalarpyin Village on the Kyeintali-Gwa road south of the town. Local people have fled to safer locations due to ongoing military tensions between the military and AA in the area.

Many residents of Kyeintali Town have had difficulty fleeing as the regime has blocked off the Kalarpyin Bridge, a critical transport link and route of exodus.