by Hafizur Rahman
At least 20 civilians were killed when an airstrike hit Yoe Ngu village in Ponnagyun Township on February 24, 2026, at around 2:00 pm, according to local sources.
The strike reportedly targeted a small market area located along the main road connecting Sittwe and Kyawktaw. Residents said the market was being used by internally displaced people who had fled fighting in nearby townships.
Local sources stated that 33 people were affected by the explosion. Eighteen civilians died at the scene. Two others, who were critically injured, later died after being taken to Kyawktaw Hospital.
All those killed were identified by local residents as Rakhine civilians displaced by ongoing conflict. They had reportedly fled from Sittwe and surrounding areas and were living in temporary conditions at the time of the attack.
Sources confirmed that no Rohingya civilians were among the victims.
The incident has raised concern among communities in the area, as the strike hit a civilian market where displaced families were gathering for daily necessities.
There has been no official public statement regarding the circumstances of the airstrike at the time of reporting.
