Junta launches airstrikes on mountains near Mrauk-U Twsp village

By Admin 20 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

20 July 2026, Mrauk-U

The junta launched coordinated airstrikes using three jet fighters and a Y-12 aircraft on mountain ranges near Kyaukselpyin Village in northern Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State.

Local residents said the aircraft dropped more than 10 500-pound bombs on mountain ranges east and north of Kyaukselpyin Village shortly after 2 p.m. on July 20.

A resident of Mrauk-U told DMG: "The regime bombed the mountain ranges along the border between Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw townships. Its aircraft circled over both townships, and we could see smoke rising near our village. Because the regime deployed several aircraft and dropped so many bombs, local residents are terrified."

DMG is continuing to investigate the full extent of the damage and any casualties caused by the airstrikes.

Residents said repeated bombing raids have left people in Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw townships living in fear and forced many to take shelter.

"The regime has been continuously bombing the mountains east of Kyaukkat Village and near Kyaukselpyin Village. Villagers are hiding in bomb shelters and other safe places. The airstrikes came about every 10 minutes and continued for more than an hour. As the bombs fell in the mountains, it is still unclear whether there were any casualties," a resident of a nearby village said.

Between July 13 and July 19, the junta carried out repeated airstrikes in Ponnagyun, Taungup, Thandwe, Pauktaw and Gwa townships in Arakan State.

Political analysts said the continued bombing campaign is intended to instill fear among the Arakanese public and disrupt the administrative functions of the Arakan Army.

"There are no active clashes in our area at the moment. Yet the regime continues to send fleets of aircraft to drop bombs in an attempt to intimidate the public. I believe it is also trying to disrupt the Arakan Army's administrative operations in Arakan State," a local resident said.

On July 19, the junta launched airstrikes on Maei Town in Taungup Township, Thandwe and Ponnagyun Township, killing five civilians and injuring 29 others, including three Buddhist monks.

In a statement issued on July 19, the Arakan Army said the attacks raise serious questions about whether the junta's actions are consistent with its proclaimed "100-day peace initiative" and ongoing peace talks.