Junta escalates airstrikes, killing and injuring civilians in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 18 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

November 18, 2025, Kyaukphyu

The number of civilian casualties is escalating in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, as the military regime intensifies its reliance on airstrikes and heavy weaponry in the conflict-torn region.

On the night of November 17, the regime carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling on Taungoo, Minyat, Thanchaung, and Ale Ywathit villages, killing three residents of Taungoo Village on the spot and seriously injuring five others, totaling eight civilian casualties.

"I heard two women were killed in the airstrikes carried out by the military regime yesterday afternoon and night. I also heard that there were others injured. The military regime bombed about six times in one day," said a woman in Kyaukphyu.

The military regime dropped two 500-pound bombs on Kyaukkalay Village at 12:30 p.m. yesterday and attacked a school in Leiktin Village with a suicide drone, including another 500-pound bomb. While no people were injured in the Leiktin attack, two pigs raised nearby were killed, according to local residents.

The regime has been conducting significant bombing attacks on villages far from the fighting since late September, using aircraft and drones. Locals describe these actions as a deliberate attack on civilians, pointing to an October 25 airstrike on Zinchaung Village, which caused mass casualties and injuries despite being more than 10 miles from the nearest battlefield.

"Firing heavy weapons from warships and ground bases is a little safer if it is hidden by mountains. Airplanes and drones are more dangerous because they can hit the target directly from above. People are more afraid of those aircraft," said a young woman in Kyaukphyu.

According to a DMG tally from February 20 to November 17, the military regime has carried out airstrikes on at least 10 villages in Kyaukphyu, killing at least 20 civilians and injuring at least 38.

Since the battle for control of Kyaukphyu began on February 20, junta attacks have resulted in approximately 90 civilian casualties in total, including at least 50 from airstrikes.

"The military regime is intentionally targeting civilians, so large villages with large populations should be more careful. It's better not to hold any events at this time. I want everyone to be careful," said a local man in Kyaukphyu.

Fighting is ongoing near Yaynantaung, Minpyin, and Chaungphyar villages. Junta troops have been able to penetrate areas near these villages since early November.

At least 20 villages in the Hsinboke, Sabahtar, Minyat, and Zinchaung areas, as well as Chaungphyar, Chaungwa, and Chaungmyaung, are currently fleeing the fighting due to the threat of airstrikes, artillery, and the entry of junta troops.

The Arakan Army (AA) has warned residents to be vigilant as the military regime continues to launch airstrikes on civilian villages in Kyaukphyu.