Junta targets key India trade route with airstrikes

By Admin 27 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 August 2026, Paletwa, Chin State

The military junta has repeatedly carried out airstrikes on areas controlled by the Arakan Army, including Paletwa Township, a key trade hub linking India and Arakan State.

The military junta conducted airstrikes for three consecutive days from August 24 to 26 on Seinhnyinwa, Shwelaikwa and Meezar villages, all located along the trade route.

On August 26, five junta jet fighters bombed Meezar Village and surrounding areas, killing a mother and her child and injuring at least six others.

Following the airstrikes, traders have become afraid to travel along the route, while merchants are increasingly concerned about the impact on trade.

"Meezar and Shwelaikwa villages, which were bombed by the regime, are key strategic locations for trade. Because the regime continuously bombed these villages, traders from this side dare not go up, and merchants from Mizoram dare not come down. The capital invested is substantial, and if something happens, both human lives and money will be completely lost," said a border trader from Ponnagyun.

Seinhnyinwa, Meezar and Shwelaikwa villages, which have been targeted by junta airstrikes, are key locations along the trade route.

Observers said the military junta's airstrikes on these trade route points appear intended to disrupt trade flows, including those into Arakan State.

The India trade route serves as a vital lifeline for local communities, including Arakanese and ethnic Chin populations, for food, livelihoods and healthcare.

"As the regime cannot defeat the Arakan Army, it is targeting and bombing routes essential for the public's food, livelihoods and healthcare to threaten them. It is a malicious act, acting out of spite like destroying the nest when failing to catch the fish," said a border trader in Arakan State.

Since fighting began over control of towns in Arakan State, the military junta has imposed blockades across various sectors, forcing local residents to rely heavily on the India trade route.

During August, the military junta conducted up to five airstrikes in Paletwa Township, killing eight civilians and injuring 34 others.