Ongoing conflict in Arakan State and the threat of airstrikes by Myanmar’s military regime have brought pagoda festivals and traditional zat pwe performances to a complete halt for more than two years, leaving Arakanese performers struggling to make ends meet.

All trade routes between India and Arakan State, which had been suspended following the death of an Indian truck driver, were fully reopened on the morning of February 20, according to local merchants.

Two men were killed and two others injured in an airstrike carried out by the military regime on Thayetcho Village in Laytaung Town, Ramree Township, Arakan State, at around 11 a.m. on February 19, according to local residents.

Bo Nagar, leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), defected to the military regime on February 19, according to an announcement by junta-controlled media.

Freedom of expression and media rights are being restricted in areas controlled by revolutionary forces under security and military pretexts, according to a report released on Tuesday by Athan, a freedom of expression advocacy group.

Local residents in Arakan State have voiced growing concern over the deteriorating condition of ancient pagodas and historical monuments damaged during armed conflict, as ongoing instability hampers maintenance and restoration efforts.

The border trade route between India and Arakan State has officially reopened in Mizoram’s Siaha District, according to a statement by the Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP), a local youth organization based in the district.

The Arakan Army (AA) officially handed over 73 Bangladeshi fishermen detained for illegal fishing in Arakan waters to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on the evening of February 16.

High-ranking Myanmar military officers are allegedly profiting from dismantling and selling homes in villages under junta control in Sittwe Township, according to local sources.

Ongoing junta airstrikes targeting civilian areas in Arakan State have resulted in significant casualties and the widespread destruction of homes and vital infrastructure.

Forces under the National Unity Government (NUG) launched attacks on checkpoints belonging to the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) in Pale Township, Sagaing Region, on Tuesday morning.

Civilian casualties caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) are increasing in conflict-affected Arakan State, with several fatal incidents reported since the start of the year.

At least eight children were killed or injured by heavy artillery fire and unexploded ordnance (UXO) over two days in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, on February 13 and 14.

Intense fighting has broken out in Padaung Township, Bago Region, as the military regime launches an offensive to retake the strategic Point 666 hilltop base, currently held by the Arakan Army (AA), according to military sources.

Casualties are mounting in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, as the military regime continues to target civilian-populated areas with airstrikes and heavy artillery fire.

More than 1,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) sheltering in Theltaw Village, Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, are facing the threat of starvation as income from firewood sales fails to keep pace with soaring commodity prices.

The military regime has launched a large-scale offensive to retake Tagaung in Mandalay Region, a town currently under the control of the National Unity Government (NUG), according to military sources.

At least seven fire outbreaks have been reported across Arakan State since the beginning of 2026, according to data compiled by DMG.

Residents of Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U, areas currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), are facing heightened security concerns following a series of junta airstrikes that killed seven people, including children, and injured 16 others. Several homes were also destroyed.