At least seven civilians, including a four-year-old child, were killed and more than ten others injured after Myanmar military aircraft carried out a series of airstrikes on Kyauktaw Town in Arakan on Tuesday, according to local sources.
Residents reported that military fighter jets launched multiple bombing runs over Kyauktaw between approximately 2:50 p.m. and 3:40 p.m., targeting several locations across the town. The attacks reportedly struck Paik Thei Ward, Lanmadaw Ward, and at least six other sites in and around the area.
Local sources said a temporary marketplace in Paik Thei Ward was among the locations hit. Many of the casualties were reportedly civilians who had been working or shopping at the market when the bombs struck. A four-year-old child was among those killed.
Witnesses reported that more than ten civilians sustained injuries, while numerous homes, businesses, and other civilian structures suffered damage. Rescue efforts were ongoing, and local residents warned that the death toll could rise as additional information emerges.
According to local accounts, aircraft involved in the operation were deployed from several Myanmar military air bases, including Magway, Tada-U, and Naypyidaw, and conducted repeated strikes over the town.
Residents described scenes of widespread destruction and panic following the attacks, with densely populated civilian areas reportedly among the locations affected.
The airstrikes come amid ongoing conflict between Myanmar military forces and the Arakan Army (AA) across parts of Arakan. Local observers and community members alleged that civilian-populated areas have increasingly been affected by military air operations in recent months.
The reported casualty figures and details of the attacks could not be independently verified. The Myanmar military had not issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of publication.
