Despite a recent call for peace talks by coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing, the coup regime has simultaneously stepped up its air raids and military operations across Arakan (Rakhine) State.
Shortly after the peace invitation was issued, the junta carried out coordinated airstrikes using multiple aircraft across Kyauktaw and Thandwe townships. At the same time, naval movements and artillery shelling also increased in Ramree and Taungup townships.
On April 24, 6 jet fighters alongside Y-12 utility aircraft were deployed to bomb Ngapali Town in Thandwe Township. This attack followed an earlier strike on April 23, when 3 jet fighters were used in a separate bombing run over the same area.
“We’re living with constant fear of more airstrikes,” said a local from Thandwe Township.
Kyauktaw Township has also come under repeated pressure from aerial surveillance and attacks. On April 22, Y-12 aircraft conducted several reconnaissance flights over the Arkar Mountain ranges and the Pichaung area. Shortly afterward, jet fighters carried out an air raid, dropping at least 10 bombs in the area.
Residents said the psychological impact has been severe, especially as surveillance flights continue.
“Kyauktaw has been hit the hardest by these airstrikes. Now we’re hearing that the aircraft are coming in groups instead of just a single plane, and that’s deeply concerning for us. People were already terrified during the recent bombings, and now we have to stay on constant alert again as reconnaissance planes start circling overhead,” a woman from Kyauktaw told DMG.
Since Lieutenant General Tun Win assumed leadership of the Myanmar Air Force, aerial operations across the country have notably intensified, with civilian casualties increasing daily.
The junta’s newly announced peace initiative—set to run for 100 days beginning April 20—has been extended to signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement such as the Karen National Union (KNU), Chin National Front (CNF), All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), as well as non-signatory ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF), which emerged after the coup.
However, observers and critics have pointed out what they see as a contradiction between the regime’s rhetoric and its military actions on the ground.
“The junta is putting on a show of inviting peace, but on the ground it’s only escalating violence to tighten its grip on power. These airstrikes on civilians make it clear to us that the so-called peace offer is nothing more than a way to buy time for its military plans,” said an 88 Generation Arakan student leader.
Reports also suggest the regime is preparing for further offensives following its declaration of martial law in 60 townships nationwide, including areas under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).
In Arakan State, the junta has intensified coordinated ground, air, and naval operations in an apparent attempt to retake territory currently held by the AA.
