22 killed - including schoolchildren - and 26 injured in Kyauktaw bombing

By Admin 12 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

12 September 2025, Kyauktaw

Local sources report that 22 people, including students, have been killed and as many as 26 wounded after a junta bombing hit Thayet Ta Pin village in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State.

At about 1:00 a.m. today (12 September), two bombs were dropped by a junta jet fighter on Thayet Ta Pin village. One of the bombs detonated near the village's private school and struck the student dormitory.

Initial reports said 17 people - including villagers and students from nearby homes and the dormitory - died instantly and 31 were wounded. After emergency treatment, five of the wounded later died, bringing the death toll to 22 by midday today and leaving 26 injured.

The mother of one of those killed, student Maung Aung Kyaw Nyunt from Zedi Taung village in Mrauk-U Township, told DMG: "I can't describe how I feel about my son being gone. He was the youngest. He was being educated despite our hardships. His father is no longer alive. His elder brother works abroad to support his schooling. He studied with whatever we could give him. I want to go and kill the junta who dropped that bomb. If I could, I'd destroy their aircraft too," said Daw Ma Kyun Sein.

The deceased, Maung Aung Kyaw Nyunt, was a 17-year-old Grade-12 student.

His older sister Ma San Ri said: "He planned to study computer science after finishing Grade 12 - to teach and work in technology. Now this has happened and we cannot even tell people properly. We are heartbroken."

Among the students killed and wounded were pupils from villages including Kyar Nauk Kan, Lakema, Kyauksepyin, Ywa Ma Pyin, Thayet Ta Pin and Zedi Taung; some victims were also internally displaced students from other areas.

Many of the wounded are receiving emergency treatment; some are critically injured and their lives are at risk.

"Words fail me. I'm shocked that they would do this to children who had done nothing wrong. Even if people say they are not responsible, in the end someone will have to take responsibility. Parents are now beside themselves," said U Thar, head of the village's private school.

On 10 September the junta also carried out airstrikes on the Zeechaung mountain range in Kyauktaw Township.

Since the Arakan Army (AA) took control of Kyauktaw Township in February 2024, the junta has carried out up to 16 aerial bombardments in the area to date, resulting in scores of civilian casualties.