Kyaw Thiha — As the Burmese military government intensifies its aerial bombing on civilian localities in Rakhine State, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government of ULA/AA issued an eight-point defense strategy against the relentless airstrikes by the junta soldiers in the Arakan localities under the control of Arakan Army (AA).
The eight points are as follows:
(1) Dig bomb shelters in residential areas
(2) Dig and clear water channels around houses to make those useful in case of sudden airstrikes
(3) Avoid turning up loud speakers that could drown out the sound of aircraft, driving vehicles without exhaust pipes, and using headphones while talking
(4) Avoid public gatherings and stage shows
(5) Try to sleep in the basements whenever possible
(6) Do not light any bulbs from 10 pm to 4 am
(7) In case of a fire, clear stalls along the road to allow fire-engines to arrive on time
(8) Report any suspicious movement of individuals or activities in the neighborhood to the nearest administrative department, Delag camp, or party office.
A resident stated that as the military faces defeats in Rakhine State, local residents are being targeted with heavy weapons, airstrikes, and naval attacks by the junta forces.
On 12 March at around 10 pm, a jet fighter dropped two 500-pound bombs on Kisapanady bridge in Kyauktaw locality, known as a popular tourist spot, causing severe damages to the installation.
Regarding the incident, Kyauktaw resident Ma Nwe Nwe Kyaw said, “I got scared that day. I heard the sound as it was too close to our residence. Now whenever I hear the sound, I spend time with fear and anxiety. I cannot even sleep because of the troubles.”
One side of the bridge near the junction towards Kyauktaw mountain and the middle portion were damaged in the bombing incident.
On 8 March, the military air forces bombed the prisoners of war camp at Da Latchaung in Ann township, where once the western command was located, resulting in the death of 116 individuals and injuries to over 30 persons .
On the night of 12 February, the 79th Union Day, the military commission bombed Paithay ward of Kyauktaw township and Alay Zay ward of Mrauk-U township; those killed eight civilians, including women and children and injured 15 others.
On 24 February, the junta’s jet fighters bombed a market in Yoe Ngu village under Ponnagyun township, resulting in the death of 20 civilians, including women and children, and injuries to 14 others.
The gun fighting between the AA fighters and junta forces in the Rakhine region has been intensified for some time as the military commission continues targeting the civilians to regain their lost territories and townships.
