A minimum of 20 civilians sustained injuries, and casualties have been noted following the junta's air force releasing more than 40 bombs on Pauktaw Township, Arakan State, on February 20.w

The individuals hurt, as reported by Narinjara News, consist of Daw Yai Thein Nu (60) and Ko San Myat Thu (28) from Sin Tet Maw Taw Tan village, Ma Khaing Thazin Moe (19), Than Sein Aung (41), and Ko Kyaw Zeya (30) from Sin Tet Maw Baw Da Li village, along with Martar Pauk (30) from Sin Tet Maw Muslim village.

A male Pauktaw resident informed Narinjara News that at least 20 locals, including those mentioned, were hurt when the junta released over 40 bombs from Y-12 planes on Ah Lel Pha Yone Kar Island, Sin Tet Maw, and Pein Hne Chaung Island in Pauktaw Township, beginning around 2:00 pm on February 20.

"Approximately 20 people were hurt, but the precise number of deaths is still unknown. Numerous individuals were impacted by the bombs that fell on both Muslim and Arakanese communities," he stated.

As reported by Arakan Princess Media, the junta's air force released bombs on various sites that afternoon, dropping 6 bombs on Nga Pyi Island in Pauktaw Township, 6 bombs on the village of Sin Tet Maw Baw Da Li in Pauktaw Township, 6 bombs on Taung Chaung village, 6 bombs on Sin Tet Maw Taw Tan village, 2 bombs on Ma Nyin Kaing village, 3 bombs on the Sin Tet Maw Muslim village, 4 bombs near Thae Khone village on San Taw Shin Island, 4 bombs close to Taung Oo Maw on Pein Hne Chaung Island, and 8 bombs in Pauktaw Town.

A nearby inhabitant additionally stated that naval ships positioned near Sittwe were also bombarding Pauktaw Township.

"Junta troops released explosives, and the naval ships are bombarding. Gunfire can be heard on the edges of Sittwe. There could be numerous injuries, yet communication is presently inaccessible. Many homes have been damaged," the resident stated.

The fatalities consist of men, women, and senior citizens. Narinjara News is presently looking into the identities and ages of the victims.

On the evening of February 17, the junta's air force dropped three 500-pound bombs on the villages of Thae Khone and Nga Pyi Kyun in Pauktaw Township.

On February 7, the Arakan Army (AA) commenced shelling several junta battalions, such as the Regional Operations Command (ROC) in Sittwe.

After the assault, which resulted in significant losses and destruction to junta troops, the junta executed airstrikes in Pauktaw Township, situated east of Sittwe.

Lately, airstrikes have intensified, prompting Pauktaw inhabitants to abandon their residences and look for safety in other locations.

The Arakan Army (AA) completely seized control of Pauktaw Township on January 19, 2024.