At least six killed, 37 injured in reported Y-12 bombing of downtown Sittwe

By Admin 23 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

23 October 2026, Sittwe

At least six residents were killed and 37 others injured when a Y-12 aircraft reportedly dropped bombs on downtown Sittwe, which is under junta control, on the morning of October 23, according to local sources.

At around 8:00 a.m., the aircraft reportedly dropped bombs on densely populated commercial and residential areas, including Mawleik Ward, Shwe Nga Junction and Kathittaw Ward to the west.

“Six people died instantly across three targeted locations: near Shwe Nga Store, behind the store, and inside Kathittaw Ward,” a local resident from Sittwe said. “Across all three sites, 37 people were injured. Some severely injured victims died after reaching the hospital, though the exact total count is not yet confirmed.”

The injured were taken to Sittwe General Hospital for emergency treatment, according to local sources.

The reported bombing has triggered panic and fear among residents remaining in Sittwe.

“This is the first time an aircraft has dropped bombs directly inside the town,” another male resident said. “People previously believed the regime would not launch airstrikes into the inner city. Now, everyone is terrified.”

DMG is continuing to investigate the incident and will provide updates as further information becomes available.

Sittwe remains the military junta’s last major urban stronghold in northern Arakan State.

On February 29, 2024, artillery fire struck a crowded market in Sittwe, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring more than 80 others, according to reports at the time.

On September 8, 2026, an artillery shell exploded inside the compound of Basic Education High School No. 4 in Sittwe, injuring a teacher and three students.

On the evening of October 8, another artillery shell reportedly exploded in a wooded area in front of Alodawpyae Monastery near Sittwe Airport.

Meanwhile, the Arakan Army has opened new fronts near the Regional Operations Command headquarters and Amyint Kyun, Pardaleik and Yaychanpyin villages in Sittwe Township.

Junta troops involved in an amphibious assault on Ngapyi Island, near the boundary between Sittwe and Werathani townships, remain on the island as heavy fighting continues, according to local sources.