Junta bombs rebel territory in western Myanmar, kills children, elderly

The attack comes a day after a school bombing that killed nearly 20 children.

By RFA Burmese 2025.05.13 — A junta jet bombed a rebel-controlled village in western Myanmar on Tuesday, killing more than a dozen civilians, an official from the Arakan Army, or AA, and residents told Radio Free Asia.

The AA, which controls 14 of Rakhine State’s 17 townships, has faced escalating junta assaults involving airstrikes, village burnings, travel restrictions, and the blocking of vital supplies such as food and medicine.

In AA-controlled Rathedaung township, a junta jet bombed Htun Ya Wai village just after 10 a.m., a person close to the AA told RFA.

“13 dead … at least 20 injured, but the numbers could rise,” he said. “We are still confirming.”

He identified the deceased as a two-year-old girl and an 82-year-old woman, while the injured included six children aged between 2 and 10, with the remaining victims ranging from 19 to 50 years old.

The death toll is likely to rise, as many people are severely injured and sent to nearby clinics and the hospital, he said, adding that many are still missing.

“The people living in the village and nearby have completely fled Htun Ya Wai after the bombing,” said one resident, who declined to be named for security reasons. “They’re worried another round of bombs are coming, so they left.”

Residents told RFA that several houses were also destroyed, and that the junta had cut internet and telecommunications services in areas controlled by the AA.

The AA announced it had seized full control of Rathedaung Township in March 2024 and has since been administering the area through its own governance structures.

The junta has not released any information regarding the attack, and calls to junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun went unanswered.

The junta’s latest assault came a day after it bombed rebel-controlled Tabayin township in Sagaing region, killing at least 20 children, two teachers and injuring others.

Junta attacks have continued nationwide despite the military regime declaring a ceasefire on April 2 until May 31.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang.

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