The Myanmar military council carried out an airstrike on civilian residential areas in Gwa Township, Arakan State, where no fighting was taking place, on the night of August 13, killing eight civilians and destroying homes, the Arakan Army (AA) said in a statement issued today.
At around 11:30 p.m. on August 13, a military council fighter jet dropped two bombs on civilian residential areas along Metta Pone Kyaung Road in Ward No. 1 of Kyintali Town, Gwa Township.
The airstrike killed eight civilians: Khin Moe Shwe, 60; Khin Sandar Htun, 45; Tun Lin, 46; Phyo Phyo Kyaw, 36; Min Wai Khant, 35; Win Ei Kyaw, 26; Nyan Lin Thant, 12; and Nay Lin Thant, 7.
The victims were inside their homes when the airstrike occurred and were killed in the attack, according to reports.
Five civilian homes and a three-wheeled motorcycle were also damaged in the airstrike. Further investigations are underway to determine whether there were additional civilian casualties or further damage to homes and buildings.
At around 10:55 p.m. the same night, the military council also carried out an airstrike on Kyaing Kone Village in Gwa Township using a fighter jet. No civilian casualties or damage to homes were reported in that attack.
The military council has continued conducting airstrikes not only in areas where ground clashes with the Arakan Army (AA) are taking place but also in towns and villages where there is no ongoing fighting, raising concerns over the risk to civilians from aerial attacks.
