Arakan State tallies most civilian fatalities: research group

By Admin 26 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

26 August 2025, Mrauk-U

The BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor reports that Arakan State has had the highest number of civilian fatalities from military conflict across the country, making it one of the most dangerous regions for civilians.

According to data from BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor, more than half (59 percent) of all civilian deaths nationwide between 2022 and July 2025 occurred in Arakan, northern Shan State, and Sagaing Region, with 760 deaths in Arakan, 540 in northern Shan State, and 512 in Sagaing Region.

"Arakan State has the highest civilian casualties and is one of the most dangerous states for civilians. Arakan State accounts for a quarter of all civilian casualties," said Ko Hnin Ko, head of BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor, at the launch of the book "Deciphering Myanmar's Peace Process - A Reference Guide (2024-2025)" on August 26.

The military regime has been conducting airstrikes across the country, with 2,408 airstrikes since the February 2021 coup, and the actual number of strikes is likely to be higher, according to BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor.

There have been incidents of mass killings due to airstrikes by the military regime, with 117 incidents of mass killings of five or more people and 1,235 civilian deaths due to airstrikes in 11 regions and states from April 2024 to April 2025, according to data from BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor.

Among the mass deaths caused by junta airstrikes by region and state, Arakan State had the highest number of deaths, at 29, followed by Sagaing Region with 26, and northern Shan State with 20.

"The military regime can only bomb and kill people," said a human rights activist in Arakan State. "The military regime has no regard for international laws and is trying to hold elections. The military regime has declared martial law in more than 60 townships and has been waging destruction in an attempt to control these areas. The military could go completely crazy, so people need to be especially careful."

After more than a year of fighting, the Arakan Army has occupied Paletwa in Chin State and 14 of 17 townships in Arakan State, and has set up an administrative apparatus in the territories it controls.

The military regime has been conducting frequent airstrikes on AA-controlled townships, resulting in a high civilian casualty rate and local residents being subjected to psychological and physical trauma.