Airstrikes by Military Council Forces Result in Civilian Casualties in Maungdaw
Maungdaw, November 2. Reports from residents in Maungdaw confirm that multiple airstrikes conducted by military council forces resulted in deaths and injuries among displaced civilians on the evening of November 2, around 8 PM.
Local residents stated that airstrikes have been ongoing since November 1, affecting various locations including the city of Maungdaw. It was reported that an airstrike targeted a monastery in the Pyar Thar village area on November 2, causing casualties among internally displaced persons (IDPs).
"Since yesterday, the aircraft have been flying and dropping bombs. Today, about ten bombs were dropped. They flew around and targeted us at the monastery in Pyar Thar village," said one IDP from Maungdaw to the Border News Agency.
While the airstrikes by military council forces have resulted in casualties among displaced persons in Maungdaw, the exact number of dead and injured is still being confirmed by the Border News Agency.
The Arakan Army (AA) has been engaging in offensive operations against the military council's base located near the city, prompting the military council to respond with intense air support, according to local residents.
The military council's airstrikes have not only targeted military positions but have also struck civilian areas, including villages, schools, hospitals, and monasteries. The residents reported that the military council appears to be deliberately targeting civilian populations as well as IDPs, leading to frequent casualties.
"There are no escape routes left for the people in the town. They keep attacking with airstrikes as if they want to eliminate us entirely. We believe that a swift conclusion to the fighting is necessary to stop these airstrikes," stated an IDP woman from Maungdaw.
The AA has been engaged in ongoing operations to completely take control of the Maungdaw district, and due to the prolonged nature of the conflict, military airstrikes have escalated, according to local residents.
Additionally, large naval vessels from the military council are reportedly also firing heavy weapons while aircraft continue to conduct drone strikes, further threatening the safety of civilians.
Military aircraft, including transport planes and fighter jets, have been increasingly present in the area, leading to frequent reports of civilian casualties. Residents are calling for urgent attention to the airstrikes as they continue to face danger.
(Photo: Military council air force aircraft)