Junta conducts airstrikes on AA's prisoners of war in Pauktaw, 20 killed, 15 injured

Kyaing Hein Lin, Narinjara News, 9 September 2024

The junta forces conducted two airstrikes using a jet fighter on a medical center for prisoners of war and inmates in Shin village of Pauktaw township in Arakan State, which killed 20 people and injured 15 others.

Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thukha told Narinjara News that those killed included prisoners of war seeking medical attention, convicted criminals, health workers, civilians including children.

“Among those killed there were senior junta officers in poor health condition along with some convicts for working as informers and some others,” stated U Khaing Thukha.

The junta carried out the airstrikes on 8 September at 6:50 and 6:57 pm. They  dropped eight bombs on the AA’s medical center for prisoners of war, located in Shin village on Ah Lel Pha Yone Kar island of  Pauktaw township.

“Bombing medical facilities for prisoners of war and inmates is a war crime. We will respond effectively against the junta soldiers,” added U Khaing Thukha.

The junta also conducted airstrikes on Thandwe town of  Arakan State on 7 September, killing a teacher and injuring five others, including an imam.

As the junta soldiers continue airstrikes across Myanmar, including the Arakan region, the number of civilian casualties, including women and children, is only increasing every day.