At least 20 civilians have been killed and dozens more injured following a week of airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar junta on towns under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, according to local sources.

The air raids, which began in the first week of November, have resulted in nearly 30 deaths in recent days, said U Myat Tun, director of the Rakhine Human Rights Defenders Association.

“The military junta has been conducting bombings since 7 November, the birthday of General Twan Mrat Naing, Commander-in-Chief of the AA, and continued through to yesterday,” U Myat Tun told Mizzima.

“On 8 November, the junta bombed schools in Pauktaw and Ponnagyun towns, as well as the Kontaung and Yotaroke areas near Ponnagyun and Rathedaung. Prior to this, Panilar village was also bombed. If we estimate the total number of casualties, it could be between 20 to 30,” he added. Among the victims were children, students, and teachers.

A local source reported that Ponnagyun Township had been hit hardest.

“Ponnagyun was bombed by jet fighters, and there were also attacks by heavy artillery from the Sittwe side. Since the bombing of Panilar village, around 23 people have been killed, and Ponnagyun has been attacked multiple times,” local source said.

The death toll in Ponnagyun was reportedly higher compared to other areas, with at least three airstrikes occurring between 1 and 8 November.

Around 2 pm on 8 November, the military bombed Kyauk Than Chay village in Ponnagyun Township and a school in Pauktaw Township, killing five people, according to local reports.

Additionally, five civilians were killed in separate bombings in Ponnagyun and Minbya townships on 6 and 7 November.

The Arakan Army, which currently controls around 15 towns, continues to engage in fierce fighting with junta forces, particularly in areas along the Rakhine-mainland border. Clashes between the two sides remain ongoing.