ULA warns Arakan residents of airstrike risks during Thadingyut festival

By Admin 24 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

24 October 2026, Mrauk-U

With the military junta launching repeated airstrikes across Arakan State, the United League of Arakan (ULA) has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant during the upcoming Thadingyut festival.

The ULA has issued local administrative orders prohibiting public gatherings, playing loud music through sound systems, lighting campfires, and setting off fireworks or firecrackers throughout the festival period.

“Residents should comply with these safety warnings regarding air raid risks,” a male resident of Kyauktaw said. “The ULA has announced bans on public gatherings, sound systems and loud noises. It is essential that the public follows these directives.”

Local authorities across towns and villages in Arakan State are broadcasting warnings through loudspeakers and posting cautionary notices at major intersections to alert residents to the ongoing threat of airstrikes.

Amid setbacks on the Sittwe and Kyaukphyu fronts, the military junta has continued launching airstrikes on towns and villages across Arakan State.

On October 23, airstrikes in Mawleik Ward in Sittwe and Pannilar Village in Ponnagyun Township killed civilians and injured many others, according to local residents.

The military junta also launched airstrikes on Werathani Township on October 24.

“During the Thadingyut period, residents need to exercise careful restraint,” a female resident of Mrauk-U said. “As the military junta holds a deep grudge against the people of Arakan, they are capable of launching even heavier bombings. Therefore, it is good that the ULA has established these rules.”

Since September, the military junta has reportedly carried out airstrikes across Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Werathani, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Kyaukphyu, Taungup, Thandwe and Gwa townships, causing mounting civilian casualties.

The Arakan Army, the armed wing of the ULA, has taken control of 14 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State and is continuing offensive operations against the junta’s remaining strongholds in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.