The Arakan Army (AA) said that after its raid and capture of the Pauktaw Township police station in Rakhine State, a big contingent of the Junta’s troops entered the township and shot dead many civilians.

AA reported that it had acquired military equipment, weapons, ammunition, as well as some banknotes and documents on November 16th, during their  capture of the Pauktaw police station.

AA also stated that the police personnel who surrendered were spared, receiving 1 million MMK each, and were assisted in traveling to their desired destinations.

Following the capture of the police station, a Military Council helicopter arrived and conducted gunfire in Pauktaw, while Navy vessels indiscriminately bombarded the surrounding areas.

On that evening, a substantial number of Military Council troops entered Pauktaw, committing war crimes by killing civilians who were hiding and attempting to flee, AA alleged. The exact number of civilians shot dead was not specified by AA. A proper investigation by DMG is ongoing to verify the claim of civilians being shot in Pauktaw.

AA has also expressed its determination to pursue justice from the Military Council for targeting civilians in Pauktaw.

Following the helicopter attack in Pauktaw, the majority of residents hastily sought refuge for their safety. However, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those unable to move due to various reasons remained concealed in the town, only to be gunned down by  the merciless Junta soldiers according to AA.