Junta launches intense airstrikes on Pauktaw with jet fighters and Y-12 aircraft

By Admin 07 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 March 2026, Pauktaw

Myanmar’s military regime carried out heavy airstrikes on Pauktaw Township, located about 16 nautical miles east of Sittwe in Arakan State, with military sources reporting at least 33 aerial attacks between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on March 6.

According to a military source, four junta jet fighters repeatedly bombed areas near Darkaing and Kyeinkhwaymaw Villages, while two Y-12 transport aircraft dropped bombs at least 25 times during the operation.

“The military regime launched relentless airstrikes on Pauktaw Township using both jet fighters and Y-12 aircraft. They specifically targeted the areas surrounding Darkaing and Kyeinkhwaymaw villages. Fortunately, no civilian casualties have been reported so far,” the source said.

Detailed reports from military sources indicate that the four jet fighters carried out eight bombing runs near the two villages, firing 13 rockets. At the same time, the two Y-12 aircraft dropped a total of 93 bombs.

The intensity of the airstrikes has forced thousands of residents from Pauktaw Township to flee to safer areas.

“The military regime launched a severe two-hour aerial assault on the mountain ranges between Kyeinkhwaymaw, Tatmaw and Darkaing villages, dropping more than 100 bombs. Women and children are in a state of extreme fear. This morning, thousands of locals from the affected areas have been seeking refuge elsewhere,” a resident of Pauktaw told DMG.

Villages affected by the recent bombardment include Kyeinkhwaymaw, Awakyun, Tatmaw, Manawthiri, Mawhtokegyi, Nattaungpyin and Darkaing.

In neighboring Sittwe Township, clashes have escalated alongside the Arakan Army’s (AA) offensive. Military sources reported fighting in at least 14 locations along the border between Sittwe and Ponnagyun Townships.

To support ground operations, the Sittwe-based No. 12 Police Battalion and Light Infantry Battalion 20 fired at least 50 multiple-launch rockets into the conflict zones.

“Fighting remains fierce in Sittwe Township, particularly in villages along the Sittwe–Ponnagyun border. The clashes have been continuous from the Shwe Mingan naval station to Amyint Kyun,” the military source added.

The Arakan Army is currently launching a dual land-and-sea offensive against the Shwe Mingan naval station north of Sittwe, while the regime continues to mount a defense with heavy artillery support.

Fears among residents in Sittwe have also intensified after heavy artillery shells struck the General Hospital in the junta-controlled state capital early Saturday morning.