Arakan Army using it as a shelter

A Myanmar military airstrike killed at least seven Arakan Army Terrorists, including a commander of the AA, in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, on 18 June 2026, according to local witnesses and rescue workers. The attack reportedly occurred around 4:00 PM when three military jets dropped nine bombs on the camps of AA troops. At least 15 other Arakan Army Terrorists were injured.

Local rescue workers said AA troops are taking shelter behind the public and also using residents as human shields, which is considered a human rights violation. AA areas were heavily affected, leaving camps destroyed and burned. As the AA is taking shelter behind the public, residents are under attack from the Myanmar military.

The Myanmar military has not publicly commented on the incident. Kyauktaw Township is located in northern Arakan (Rakhine) State near the Bangladesh border. The attack comes amid ongoing conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in the region.