Deadly Airstrike in Myanmar Claims Lives of 49 Near Rebel-Controlled Market

A recent airstrike in Myanmar's Rakhine state has tragically resulted in the deaths of 49 individuals and injuries to 58 others. The attack targeted a market controlled by a powerful rebel group, the Arakan Army, amidst ongoing conflicts following the military coup in 2021. This incident highlights the escalating violence in the region, with the military facing accusations of targeting civilians. The Arakan Army has vowed to retaliate against those responsible for the airstrikes. As the situation develops, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with severe restrictions on trade exacerbating food shortages.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 13:04 IST

Tragic Airstrike in Rakhine State

Screengrab shows the aftermath following an airstrike in Rakhine state, Myanmar

(Photo: X)

Bangkok, Sep 29: A military airstrike in Myanmar's Rakhine state, targeting an area near a market controlled by a significant rebel faction, resulted in the deaths of at least 49 individuals and left 58 others injured, according to reports from the rebel group and rescue officials.

This incident marks yet another in a series of lethal airstrikes aimed at pro-democracy resistance forces and ethnic armed groups throughout the nation.

Since the military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in chaos, leading to widespread opposition. The military's violent suppression of peaceful protests has prompted many dissenters to take up arms, resulting in extensive conflict across various regions.

The airstrike took place in Kyauktaw township, located approximately 340 kilometers (210 miles) west of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, as reported by the Arakan Army, a prominent ethnic armed group that governs the area.

Details of the attack remain unverified independently.

The Arakan Army stated that a fighter jet released two bombs near the local market around noon, impacting vendors, shoppers, and passersby.

Among the injured, 22 individuals are reported to be in critical condition.

In a statement, the group vowed to implement effective retaliatory actions against those responsible for the airstrikes that have resulted in significant casualties.

Wai Hun Aung, a senior rescue official in Rakhine, corroborated the casualty figures, noting that the market serves as the primary wholesale hub for the region, attracting traders and customers from across the state.

"This is one of the most severe airstrikes in Rakhine," he remarked.

Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos depicting burning buildings, damaged vehicles, and destruction of a nearby bridge.

The military has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the attack. Historically, it has claimed to target only legitimate military objectives and has labeled resistance groups as terrorists.

The Arakan Army is recognized as the military branch of a movement advocating for autonomy for Rakhine's ethnic minority from the central government of Myanmar. It initiated an offensive in Rakhine in November 2023, successfully capturing a key regional military headquarters and 14 out of the 17 townships in the state.

The military has enforced strict limitations on trade routes since the escalation of conflict in Rakhine, exacerbating food shortages.

In December, a military airstrike on a hospital in Mrauk-U township resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people and left 80 others injured.