The junta's air force has executed airstrikes in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, amid persistent fighting near the Chinese gas and oil pipeline project, resulting in casualties.

A woman from Kyaukphyu informed Narinjara News that the airstrikes have persisted since the night of February 23. Combat aircraft have aimed at areas close to Thit Pote Taung and Gone Chwein sub-townships, situated approximately five and a half miles from Maday Island, where the Chinese project is based.

"Yesterday, at approximately 7:00 pm, I heard explosions occurring, mostly in Thit Pote Taung sub-township. I also heard there were fatalities in Shauk Chaung and Saing Chone," she remarked.

Narinjara News is presently unable to confirm the precise number of casualties because of disruptions to phone and internet services in the region.

The Arakan Army (AA) and junta troops have been engaged in combat since the AA initiated an attack on the junta's primary naval base, Dhanyawadi, in Thit Pote Taung on February 21 and 22.

A military source on the frontlines informed Narinjara News that exchanges of artillery shells and small arms fire persisted between both sides near the Dhanyawadi naval base and the police battalion.

"Fire is still being exchanged. The AA is launching artillery rounds, whereas the junta forces are deploying drones, naval ships, and fighter jets," the source stated.

The Dhanyawadi naval base is situated roughly four miles from Kyaukphyu Town and five and a half miles from Maday Island, the location of the Chinese project.

On February 20, the AA attacked a group of roughly 70 soldiers from the 32nd Police Battalion in Kyaukphyu, causing losses for the junta forces. The AA additionally confiscated arms during the assault.

At present, a majority of inhabitants in the villages of Thit Pote Taung, Shauk Chaung, Si Maw, Kyet Tain, and Saing Chone in Kyaukphyu Township are fleeing because of the continuous conflict.