Regime bombs villages in Rathedaung

By Admin 17 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
17 January 2024, Rathedaung

Junta jet fighters bombed some 10 villages in Rathedaung Township at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, according to residents.

Two fighter jets were involved in the bombing raid that lasted two hours, said residents.

“Two warplanes dropped bombs until around 9 p.m. Villagers have fled,” said a resident. DMG is still trying to find out the extent of damage to civilian property.

The Brotherhood Alliance said junta jet fighters heavily bombed villages in Rathedaung Township.
Fighting broke out in Rathedaung town after the Arakan Army (AA) attacked junta battalions 537 and 538 there. Junta battalions also fired artillery shells on Wednesday morning, and locals have concerns for their safety.

“Junta troops have abandoned their outposts in rural areas, and locals are concerned that the regime might carry out aerial attacks. There are only Light Infantry Battalions 536, 537 and 538 left in the town,” said a Rathedaung resident.

The AA has seized many junta outposts in Rathedaung Township. Over 100 junta soldiers from an outpost on Mount Manyin surrendered to the AA on Monday.

The regime subsequently deliberately carried out air attacks on nearby villages, said residents.

Junta troops and the AA have been fighting in Arakan State since November 13, and junta air and artillery strikes have inflicted civilian casualties. International humanitarian law bars armed organisations from attacking civilians and destroying civilian property.