Over 20 civilians killed in Rakhine due to military council bombs despite May ceasefire

Narinjara, June 1, 2025

The military council, which has continuously bombed civilians while announcing a ceasefire, has prolonged its temporary ceasefire from June 1 to June 30.

The statement from the military council on May 31 indicated that the temporary ceasefire was a reaction to four (4) factors.

The four elements aim to speed up reconstruction and recovery in earthquake-affected regions and to effectively conduct free and fair multi-party democratic elections.

Furthermore, to fulfill the interests of the state and its citizens more swiftly and to attain enduring and authentic peace, the Tatmadaw has opted to extend the temporary ceasefire duration.

The military council had announced a temporary ceasefire duration from May 1 to 31, 2025.

Throughout the ceasefire, at least 20 civilians, including children, lost their lives due to unexpected airstrikes on residential zones and villages (where there was no conflict) in Rakhine State.

On May 13, 2025, the junta carried out an aerial attack and bombed the old village of Tun Ra Wai in Rathedaung Township, resulting in the deaths of 12 innocent civilians, including children, wounding 23 more, and demolishing 31 homes.

On May 14, the military regime attacked civilian neighborhoods in Kyauktaw with one (1) jet fighter, resulting in the deaths of three (3) innocent women and the destruction of nine (9) homes.

Likewise, on May 15, the military junta shelled Kyauktaw for a second consecutive day, resulting in the deaths of five civilians and injuring nine more.

The military council announced a temporary ceasefire between May 1 and 30, breaking their pledge and attacking civilians throughout Myanmar with aircraft, leading to the deaths of hundreds of innocent people in Rakhine, Sagaing, Kachin, Northern Shan, and Karen states.