Air Delivered event in Arakan, Ponnagyun area, Myanmar on Sun 19th July 2026

At least six civilians were killed and more than 26 others—including children and Buddhist monks—were injured over the weekend as the Myanmar Air Force conducted a wave of airstrikes and drone attacks targeting liberated zones across Arakan State, Mandalay Region, and Sagaing Region.

The aerial bombardment destroyed over 25 residential homes and a local church, according to residents. The strikes triggered a swift warning from the Arakan Army (AA), which vowed to retaliate against every attack launched on territory under its administration.

Rakhine frontline: Strikes hit AA-controlled territory

The airstrikes heavily targeted three townships in Arakan State: Taungup, Thandwe, and Ponnagyun, located between 20-284 miles (32-457 km) northeast and south of the state capital, Sittwe.

All three townships were captured by the AA during its sweeping offensive between March and November 2024. The AA currently exercises administrative control over 14 out of Arakan’s 17 townships, alongside Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

A Thandwe resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that everyone is hiding inside their homes because they don’t know when the next fighter jet is coming.

In an official statement issued on July 19, the AA strongly condemned the regime’s continued targeting of civilian areas and declared that its forces would “respond” to every military assault on AA-controlled territory.