Magway records most airstrikes since new military chief took command: ISP-Myanmar

By Admin 17 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

17 September 2026, Yangon

Myanmar’s military carried out at least 1,583 airstrikes nationwide during the first five months after Gen. Ye Win Oo took over as commander-in-chief, with Magway Region recording the highest number at no fewer than 322, ISP-Myanmar reported on September 16.

According to ISP-Myanmar’s Conflict & Security Tracker 2026, the airstrikes were recorded between March 31 and August 31 across 13 states and regions, excluding Yangon Region and the Union Territory of Naypyidaw.

Magway Region recorded at least 322 airstrikes, the highest number nationwide and more than 20 percent of the total documented during the five-month period.

It was followed by Chin State with at least 301 airstrikes, Sagaing Region with at least 242 and Arakan State with at least 222, according to ISP.

Around 86 airstrikes were recorded in Kachin State and about seven in northern Shan State. Based on the distribution of the attacks, ISP assessed that the military’s offensives and airstrikes have become increasingly concentrated in western and central Myanmar.

In particular, airstrikes have been more frequent in Chin and Arakan states and Sagaing Region, as well as Magway Region, which ISP described as strategically important for military routes leading to those areas.

ISP warned that civilians living in resistance-controlled areas in those four states and regions face particularly high risks from airstrikes.

Airstrike threat persists in Arakan

ISP documented at least 222 airstrikes in Arakan during the five-month period, while fighting and attacks affecting civilians have continued into September.

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) has intensified along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border since September 4. DMG reported on September 15 that clashes had continued for more than 10 days, with artillery and small-arms fire still being reported.

In Kyaukphyu Township, the military has also launched offensives at at least five locations, deploying ground forces backed by naval and air power. Fighting has continued around areas near Sane town since September 4.

According to records compiled by DMG, airstrikes in Arakan killed 602 civilians and injured 1,211 between April 2024 and September 12, 2026. The figures are not exhaustive, as some incidents could not be fully verified.

Civilian casualties have continued in September. On September 14, the AA said recent air and drone attacks in Ponnagyun, Taungup, Gwa and other areas had caused civilian casualties and property damage. DMG separately reported some of the incidents cited by the AA.

The impact extends beyond casualties. Fighting, airstrikes and shelling have forced people from their homes, disrupted transportation and trade, restricted agricultural activities and made food and medicine increasingly difficult to obtain.

DMG has reported that around 30,000 displaced people in eight camps in Kyaukphyu and nearly 10,000 in Ramree are facing food shortages, with approximately 5,100 people in urgent need of assistance.

ISP-Myanmar assessed that the military intensified its use of airstrikes during the five-month period and said the data did not indicate that such attacks were likely to decline.

ISP also warned that with schools, religious buildings, hospitals and displacement camps being hit, civilian deaths, displacement and humanitarian needs could worsen.