by Hafizur Rahman
Heavy airstrikes were carried out in Buthidaung Township of Rakhine State on February 6, 2026, as jet fighters dropped large bombs on military locations, including the former Battalion 15 base and nearby areas, according to local residents.
People in the area said the airstrikes took place at night, with jet fighters appearing three times. The first explosion was heard at around 8:29 pm, followed by another at approximately 8:30 pm. A third strike was reported at around 9:10 pm. Residents said the explosions were extremely loud and far more powerful than previous attacks.
Local people believe the bombs used were heavy, possibly 1,000 pound bombs, based on the intensity of the blasts and the widespread shaking felt across the area. This could not be independently verified.
Panic Among Civilians
Because the strikes occurred at night, fear spread quickly among civilians. Residents said many families fled their homes and tried to move to safer places as the explosions continued.
“We have heard bombing before, but this time the sound was extremely loud,” a Rohingya resident said. “It felt like the earth was breaking under our feet.”
Another local resident said houses shook violently when the bombs exploded.
“Our houses shook like an earthquake,” the resident said. “Children were crying, and everyone was running in fear.”
A third resident said the fear continued long after the strikes ended.
“Even people living far away could feel the shaking,” the resident said. “We could not sleep at all because we were afraid the jets would come again.”
Wider Impact Felt
Residents said that in previous fighting, smaller bombs were used and the noise was not as intense. This time, the explosions were described as unusual and terrifying. The shaking was reportedly felt not only in Buthidaung Township but also in Maungdaw and areas close to the Bangladesh border.
People in the area said fear remains high, as the situation continues to be tense and uncertain, with civilians worried about further airstrikes in the coming days.
