As fighting intensifies across Arakan (Rakhine) State, the junta, facing a series of setbacks, has stepped up airstrikes on civilian areas in territories controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), killing many innocent people and prompting locals to call for effective airstrike early warning systems.
The junta has carried out airstrikes on schools, hospitals, markets, monasteries, wards, and villages in AA-controlled territories, resulting in mass casualties. On February 24, a junta airstrike struck a market in Yoengu Village, Ponnagyun Township, killing 17 civilians including children and injuring 15 more.
As the junta’s deadly airstrikes show no signs of letting up, residents of Arakan State are growing increasingly desperate for an effective early warning system.
While a mobile alert system developed by Waihin, a youth group monitoring the junta’s air raids, has proven useful in parts of mainland Myanmar, it remains largely ineffective in Arakan State due to junta-imposed internet blackouts. Locals noted that any warning system requiring internet connectivity cannot function there at present.
Solutions tailored to the current circumstances are urgently needed, such as airstrike warning sirens that allow those receiving tech-based early alerts to quickly relay the danger to local communities.
“I tested Waihin's mobile app myself. It needs an internet connection to work. The first time I tried it, the app actually raised a warning when junta aircraft arrived. But the second time, it didn’t. So, it can’t really be considered reliable. That’s why I want an effective early warning system in Arakan State,” said an Arakan State resident.
Waihin's system is designed to sound an alarm when an aircraft enters a 100-kilometre radius, but Arakan State residents remain vulnerable to sudden airstrikes without reliable internet access. That is why locals are hoping for an effective, fast, offline warning system.
“In mainland regions, people can get airstrike alerts on their phones. But here in Arakan State, the internet keeps getting cut off. I want the United League of Arakan (ULA) to put public safety first and set up reliable warning systems,” said a man from Mrauk-U Township. ULA is the political wing of the AA.
In early 2024, loudspeakers were used to issue airstrike warnings in parts of northern Arakan State, but residents reported that these practices have mostly disappeared since mid-2025. Locals are now urging the ULA to strengthen civilian protection by installing sirens across all towns under its control.
“Even without internet, if we install sirens and loudspeakers in every township to quickly warn people about incoming aircraft using technology where online access is available, it could save lives,” said a young woman from Kyaukphyu Township.
Junta airstrikes in Arakan State surged sharply in 2025, killing at least 260 civilians and injuring 473 more, according to data obtained by DMG.
From the start of the year until February 23, 2026, airstrikes in Arakan State townships of Kyaukphyu, Thandwe, Kyauktaw, Ramree, Ponnagyun, and Buthidaung killed at least 25 people and injured 33.
