Junta airstrikes disrupt education for students in Arakan State

By Admin 11 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

11 March 2026, Kyauktaw

As fighting intensifies between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakan Army (AA), the junta has increasingly targeted civilian areas in Arakan State, including villages, schools, hospitals and other public buildings.

According to data compiled by DMG, junta airstrikes in Arakan State killed 511 civilians and injured 944 others between April 1, 2024, and March 10, 2026.

Among the injured are students, some of whom have lost limbs or suffered damage to their sight and hearing. Many are continuing their education while coping with both physical injuries and psychological trauma.

“I can’t attend school normally. I feel disheartened when I see my friends going. I want to go like before, but I can’t. My leg is still not well,” said 18-year-old Maung Tun Tun Naing from Minthartaung Village in Kyauktaw Township.

Maung Tun Tun Naing, a Grade-11 student, was injured during the airstrike on a school in Thayet Tabin Village, Kyauktaw Township, on September 12, 2025.

That attack killed 20 students and injured 21 others, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving students in Arakan State.

Family members said he has been unable to return to school due to the leg injury sustained in the bombing and continues to suffer from psychological distress.

“He used to be very active. Now, when his friends pass by the house or attend festivals, he wants to join them. But his leg has not recovered yet, and we can see how discouraged he feels,” said his elder sister, Ma Htay Htay Myint.

Another victim of the same attack, 17-year-old Grade-10 student Maung Chit Oo, lost a leg in the bombing and said the injury initially left him feeling discouraged.

“When I lost my leg in the airstrike, I felt very disheartened. Later, my friends and parents comforted me, saying it was fate. Whatever happens, I must continue living,” he said.

Maung Chit Oo now moves with the help of crutches and has been able to resume his studies.

Residents of Arakan State say they continue to live under constant fear as frequent airstrikes threaten civilian lives and safety.

As the military regime increasingly targets civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, educational opportunities for children are deteriorating, with many students losing the chance to study freely due to the ongoing threat of airstrikes.

The intensifying attacks have also forced many residents to flee their homes in search of safer areas.

Victims and local residents are calling on the international community to take effective action against the military regime for its continued attacks on civilian targets.

In February 2026 alone, junta airstrikes in Arakan State killed 35 civilians and injured another 35, bringing the total casualties for the month to 70.