As the junta intensifies airstrikes in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan (Rakhine) State, residents are increasingly calling for the effective operation and expansion of air raid warning systems to better protect civilians.
Although warning systems have already been installed in some AA-controlled areas, locals argued many are either not functioning properly or are rarely activated in practice. Residents reported that sirens often remain silent even when military aircraft fly overhead for extended periods.
“A lot of the time, the planes circle above us for quite a while, but we still don’t hear any warning sirens. We can’t tell whether the systems are broken or whether no one is turning them on. Since they were installed, we’ve wanted them to actually be used,” said a resident from Kyauktaw Township.
In recent weeks, the junta has escalated its aerial attacks across Arakan State, increasingly carrying out coordinated bombing raids involving multiple aircraft.
On May 7, junta aircraft conducted prolonged airstrikes in Minbya and Kyauktaw townships. The attacks killed three people and injured more than 10 others, according to local sources.
The growing frequency of air raids has deepened fear among civilians, many of whom now live under constant anxiety over possible attacks.
“Every ward should have its own airstrike warning system. Even if people can’t be given shelters or other protection, at least a siren can warn them in time. Right now, there’s only one siren in an entire town, and people in crowded or noisy areas often can’t hear it. There should be warning systems in every ward and every town,” said a woman from Minbya Township.
The junta airstrikes have repeatedly targeted non-military locations in AA-controlled territory, including schools, monasteries, hospitals and densely populated residential areas, further worsening security conditions for local communities.
Residents are urging the AA to prioritize installing warning systems at schools, hospitals, monasteries and busy public spaces where civilians regularly gather.
Locals also pointed out that online-based warning systems, including those that rely on mobile applications, are largely ineffective in Arakan State due to ongoing internet and mobile network shutdowns. They said this has increased the need for reliable ground-based warning systems.
“Now the junta is launching attacks with groups of aircraft, and people are living in constant fear. Some residents have already fled because they’re afraid. Everyone is worried about when the next bombs will fall and which area will be hit,” said a member of a social organization based in Arakan State.
Military analysts said the junta is relying more heavily on airpower as a key offensive strategy, raising concerns that airstrikes could become even more widespread across the country, including in Arakan State.
