Deep Sigh

Myanmar military airstrike on Pauktaw village injures two civilians

Deep Sigh | 16 July 2026

Two civilians were injured after the Myanmar military carried out two consecutive airstrikes on Manaw Thiri village in Pauktaw Township, Rakhine State, on the evening of 15 July, according to local sources. The sources said military jet aircraft conducted two bombing runs at approximately 7:17 p.m. and 7:26 p.m., dropping two bombs that exploded inside the village.

The attack injured Ma Hnin Soe, 26, from Manaw Thiri village, and U Khin Tun Win, 52, from nearby Ngakhu Shay village. Ma Hnin Soe sustained shrapnel injuries to her left arm, while U Khin Tun Win suffered shrapnel wounds to the head. Both victims are currently receiving medical treatment, according to local sources.

The latest strike came on the same day that the Myanmar military reportedly carried out another aerial attack on Gwa Township in southern Rakhine State, where communities are already facing severe flooding. Local sources also reported that on 14 July, military jet aircraft launched two consecutive airstrikes in the area, injuring one civilian.

According to local sources, Myanmar military airstrikes targeting civilian-populated towns and villages across Rakhine State have continued in recent weeks, resulting in a rising number of civilian casualties and injuries.

At Least Four Villages Burned During Military Operations in Chauk Township

Deep Sigh | July 7, 2026

Military operations conducted by Myanmar's military in Chauk Township, Magway Region, have reportedly resulted in the burning of at least four villages, the alleged detention and killing of civilians, and the displacement of nearly 10,000 residents, who are now in urgent need of food and humanitarian assistance, according to local sources.

The reported incidents occurred during an ongoing military offensive that began in June 2026. Local residents stated that military forces advanced through villages along the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, allegedly detaining civilians and using some of them as human shields during their operations.

Residents further reported that one civilian was allegedly arrested and killed near Nyaung Zin Village. On 2 July, Nyaung Zin Village was reportedly set on fire, followed by another reported arson attack on Nyaung Chaung Village on 4 July.

According to local accounts, Su Taw, Nyaung Zin, Lay Pin Tin Kone, and Nyaung Chaung villages have all been burned during the military operations.

The military offensive has reportedly forced nearly 10,000 residents from Lay Pin Kone, Su Taw, Nyaung Zin, and Ywar Ma villages to flee their homes. Displaced communities are said to be in urgent need of food supplies, shelter, medical assistance, and other essential humanitarian support.

Local sources also expressed concern that, as military operations and village burnings continue, the number of civilian fatalities may be higher than currently documented. They warned that additional bodies of civilians allegedly detained and killed could be discovered as access to the affected areas becomes possible.