Junta attacks in Kyaukphyu Twsp cause over 30 civilian casualties in six months

By Admin 18 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

18 August 2025, Kyaukphyu

At least 37 civilians were killed and injured due to heavy weapons and airstrikes by Myanmar's military regime in the six months between February 20, when fighting between the junta and Arakan Army (AA) began in Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, and August 17.

According to a DMG tally, there were 15 dead and 22 injured.

The deceased were seven men and eight women, while 15 men and seven women were injured. A Buddhist monk was among those killed, and one Buddhist monk and two novices were injured.

"People are being harmed by heavy weapons fire from Myanmar Navy vessels, and attacks by aircraft and drones," said a resident of Kyaukpyauk Village in Kyaukphyu Township.

On August 16, a drone strike by the regime killed one man and one woman from Leikkhamaw Village who were fleeing the fighting, and injured five other men in Gawtu Village.

U Khin Maung Chit, a 40-year-old man from Leikkhamaw Village, was killed by Myanmar Navy artillery fire on August 14.

Most of the dead and injured are from the villages of Ukin, Kyattein, Zinchaung, Yaynantaung, Leikkhamaw, Mintetchein, Gonechein, Katthabyay, Kyaukphyauk and Kularbar, which are located in the vicinity of the fighting.

The military regime is also carrying out airstrikes, including use of heavy weapons from warships, on villages such as Yaynantaung, Minpyin, Kyaukphyauk and Zinchaung, which are not near the scene of the fighting.

"The people cannot relax, saying that even though they are far away and have nothing to do with the fighting, the military regime also targets the people, so we are concerned for our safety," said a local woman in Kyaukphyu.

Clashes are taking place in Simaw, Ukin and Katthabyay villages near Danyawadi naval base, Mintattaung, Pyanesaekay, Hnanphetaung, Leikkamaw and Malakyun villages near the No. 32 police battalion, but the military regime is also shelling other villages.

Residents of at least 30 villages in Kyaukphyu Township have been forced to flee due to the regime's heavy weapons and airstrikes, including clashes near villages.