Junta jet fighters drop 500-pound bombs on former junta battalions in Mrauk-U

By Admin 17 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

17 September 2026, Mrauk-U

Three junta jet fighters dropped 500-pound bombs on former military bases in Mrauk-U, Arakan State, shortly after 12:00 p.m. on September 17, according to local residents.

The junta airstrikes targeted former installations of Light Infantry Battalions No. 540, 377, and 378, as well as Police Battalion No. 31 and adjacent areas.

"Four bombs were dropped on Light Infantry Battalion No. 540 in Mrauk-U, and other former bases were also attacked," a local female resident said. "Casualties are not yet known. Entry and exit gates to the town were temporarily closed during the bombing, but travel has now resumed."

DMG is currently investigating whether any civilian casualties occurred during the attack.

"Around three jet fighters dropped bombs across the former military bases," a local male resident said. "We do not know if there are civilian casualties yet. Anxiety rose among residents during the attack, but the situation has returned to normal."

Earlier on the morning of September 17, junta jet fighters also launched airstrikes on Kuntaung Village and near the Minchaung Bridge in neighbouring Ponnagyun Township.

With heavy fighting raging between the military regime and the Arakan Army in Sittwe Township, junta forces suffering ground losses have escalated daily air attacks on surrounding townships across Arakan State.

"As military regime forces are taking heavy losses in the Sittwe clashes, they are repeatedly bombing towns like Mrauk-U and Ponnagyun," a local resident said. "They might attack civilian residential areas next. People need to remain on high alert for air threats during this period."

The military regime has deployed large numbers of ground troops alongside heavy air and naval support in attempts to advance into Arakan State from Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and other areas.

The Arakan Army has urged civilians across the region to exercise extreme caution regarding potential airstrikes.