Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 29 November 2024 

Local residents reported that seven civilians were killed in airstrikes by the military government on Shwe Oo Kwin village, Zee Kone village, and Rammar Kyun village near Kyeintali Town two weeks ago, after internet access was cut off in Gwa Township, the southernmost town in Arakan State. 

Sources familiar with the situation have identified the victims as Daw Khin Thawdar Htwe, 46, Daw Ohn Kyi, 60, Daw Pwar Kyi, 80, U Myint Kyaing, 47, U Zaw Lin, 58, and Ko Maung Maung, 28, all hailing from Zee Kone village, and Ko Too Maung Maung, 47, from Rammar Kyun village in Kyeintali Township. 

Residents in the area claimed that the air attacks took place around midday on November 15, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and causing injuries to multiple others. 

A man living in the area stated, "The AA attack is now approximately 6 miles away from Gwa Town. When the junta forces are unable to be stopped, they usually carry out airstrikes on residential villages. Shwe Oo Kwin village is located close to Satthwa, and the displaced individuals in Kyeintali are currently facing challenges. The concerns of the villagers are being heightened by the airstrikes on Rammar Kyun village.”

Ongoing disruptions in telephone and internet services are making it harder for local residents in Gwa Township to access up-to-date information as the fighting escalates. 

The Arakan Army (AA) initiated an assault against junta forces temporarily positioned in Nyaung Chaung village on November 28, approximately 10 miles north of Gwa Town in the southernmost part of Arakan State. Following intense combat, the military forces of the junta were compelled to retreat. 

On November 13 at 10:00 am, earlier in the day, military forces bombed Gyai Kauk village in Gwa Township using a fighter jet, resulting in seven fatalities, which included a 9-year-old child, and causing serious injuries to five others. 

Furthermore, the Gyai Kauk Bridge in Gwa Township was destroyed by the junta forces on November 14 at 6:30 pm, resulting in extensive damage to its central part. 

Local residents report ongoing intense clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces in Gwa Township, with junta forces conducting airstrikes on a daily basis.