Monks condemn regime airstrikes on Mrauk-U village monastery

By Admin 20 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

20 April 2026, Mrauk-U

Arakanese Buddhist monks have strongly condemned the Myanmar regime’s double airstrikes on a monastery in Kyaukselpyin Village, Mrauk-U Township, which injured monks and civilians.

The monks voiced strong opposition to aerial attacks targeting religious buildings, noting that while the junta chief claims to be a devout Buddhist who builds pagodas and monasteries, his actions contradict those claims.

“The recent targeting of religious buildings and monks in Arakan State through aerial bombings is an unacceptable act. It is truly loathsome to see those who proclaim themselves as defenders of the faith intentionally destroying pagodas, temples, and monasteries, and killing monks in areas where no active fighting is taking place,” a Buddhist monk in Mrauk-U told DMG.

On April 19, 2026, a regime jet fighter bombed the monastery in Kyaukselpyin Village twice, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., injuring at least 13 people, including monks.

The injured included three monks, two women, and at least nine men.

The regime’s continued airstrikes on religious sites are seen as a tactic to instill fear among the Arakanese people and exert pressure on the Arakan Army.

“The regime is conducting these persistent attacks to instill fear in the public and pressure the Arakan Army. Yesterday, they dropped bombs on the Kyaukselpyin monastery twice. The regime has no ethical restraint regarding religious buildings or sacred sites. They have also bombed many churches and monasteries across mainland Myanmar,” another Buddhist monk from Arakan State said.

On the same day, the regime also carried out airstrikes on a sub-power station in Ponnagyun and on Yayphyukan Village.

Furthermore, the Arakan Army reported that one local resident was killed when a regime jet fighter bombed Hngetgyikyun Village in Ponnagyun Township.

In August 2025, regime airstrikes on Minpyin and Kyaukpyauk villages in Kyaukphyu Township destroyed a monastery, a community hall, and a school, resulting in casualties.

Facing military setbacks across Arakan State, the regime has increasingly targeted non-military sites, including monasteries, schools, and civilian areas, leading to rising casualties.