One civilian killed, seven injured by junta airstrikes in Gwa Twsp

By Admin 08 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 August 2024, Gwa

A woman was killed and seven other people were injured in junta airstrikes on two villages near Kyeintali Town, part of Arakan State's Gwa Township, at around 2 a.m. on August 8.

The junta airstrikes, the first air assault in Gwa Township, killed the local woman and injured six people — four men and two women — from Kyaukkhaungkwin Village on the Thandwe-Kyeintali-Gwa road and another man from Cedikwin Village.

“A junta jet fighter dropped bombs on the village while people were sleeping and civilian casualties were reported in the junta air attacks,” said a local source.

The injured are receiving medical treatment at nearby clinics and some of them reportedly sustained serious injuries.

The regime has planted numerous landmines near Kyeintali Town in recent months, following renewed hostilities between the Myanmar military and Arakkha Army (AA) that began in Arakan State in November. Though fighting has not yet erupted in Gwa Township, the regime has reportedly tightened security and made preparations to defend against the AA’s anticipated advances on the township.

“All locals are worried about their safety and dare not live in the village. Many people have fled to safer locations. Local people live in fear due to the regime’s airstrikes,” said a resident of Kyeintali.

The sound of small arm fire could be heard from Chinkwin, Kathaingkwin, Kyeintali and Kalarpyin villages, where junta troops have been stationed since August 3, locals said.

“We heard gunfire from junta camps last month. It was not a clash between the military and Arakkha Army (AA). We will have to wait and see when the battle between the two sides will happen. The location, where the junta airstrike was carried out, is close to Thandwe,” a local source said.

Two people were killed and three others were seriously injured in landmine blasts in Gwa Township since renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and AA began in Arakan State more than eight months ago.

Gwa Township is located in the north of Thandwe Township, where fighting between the military and AA is escalating, and the AA has announced it intends to launch offensive attacks on junta bases and military camps in Taungup and Gwa townships.