The junta carried out an airstrike on Nga Lon Zu Village in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State, at around 7:00 pm on December 11, killing at least eight people including villagers and displaced residents, and injuring at least 10 others.

Junta aircraft bombed both the upper and lower sections of Nga Lon Zu Village, which was hosting many war-displaced people fleeing Kyaukphyu Town. Casualties included both local residents and displaced civilians.

“The fighter jet dropped two 500-pound bombs, resulting in significant casualties in the village. Nga Lon Zu was sheltering many displaced people at the time, and efforts to identify those who were killed or injured are still ongoing,” a Kyaukphyu resident told DMG.

Now, not only Nga Lon Zu but also residents of nearby villages such as Manyinchaung, Indainggyi, Nga Taung Maw Pyin, and Kankaw are living in heightened fear of potential airstrikes.

“When some of the displaced people were killed by the junta’s airstrikes during their flight, they were deeply shaken. The locals were scared too. Everyone worried about whether more airstrikes would come, and now they’re wondering if they should flee,” another Kyaukphyu resident said.

In Kyaukphyu Township, clashes between the junta and the Arakan Army (AA) continue, and the number of displaced people is rising.

In recent days, the junta has carried out a series of airstrikes in Arakan State townships, including Mrauk-U, Gwa, and Kyaukphyu, causing numerous civilian casualties.

The day before the bombing of Nga Lon Zu Village, on December 10 at around 9:00 pm, the junta carried out an airstrike on the People’s Hospital in Mrauk-U Town, killing at least 33 people including patients and caregivers, and injuring more than 70.

Civil society organizations are urging residents of Arakan State to remain extra vigilant as the junta steps up its air raids.