By Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, Myanmar – March 1, 2025
A deadly airstrike by the Myanmar military has killed more than 30 Rohingya prisoners and injured at least 10 others at the Kyikanpyin Headquarters in northern Maungdaw Township.
The attack occurred late at night on February 28, when a military jet dropped two 500-pound bombs on the facility, which is currently under Arakan Army (AA) control.
Deadly Attack in the Middle of the Night
According to local sources, the first bomb exploded at 11:51 PM, followed by a second strike around 1:00 AM. The powerful blasts shook houses across Maungdaw, with tremors felt even near the Bangladesh border.
“A jet fighter suddenly appeared and dropped bombs while people were sleeping. The whole area trembled, and the sound was heard across Maungdaw.
We now know that at least 32 Rohingya prisoners were killed, and more than 10 were injured. The actual number of casualties could be higher,” said a local resident.
Many residents were terrified as explosions echoed throughout the town. Reports suggest that some victims lost limbs, while others suffered fatal wounds.
Rohingya Prisoners Among the Dead
The Kyikanpyin Headquarters, originally a Myanmar border guard post, has been under AA control since May 2, 2024. The group has reportedly been detaining Rohingya prisoners at the facility and forcibly recruiting Rohingya youth for military training.
According to sources, the airstrike caused severe injuries among detainees, with many Rohingya reportedly trapped in the wreckage. Some high-ranking AA officers were also killed or injured in the strike.
“Over 100 people have been killed or injured. Many of them are Rohingya. Some victims lost their limbs, and others died instantly. It’s a horrible situation,” said a source close to the AA.
Rising Concerns Over Forced Recruitment
Reports indicate that nearly 200 detainees, including underage boys and young women from the Mro ethnic group, were being held at the Kyikanpyin base for forced military training by the AA.
Activists and local residents are urging the international community and media to take notice of these human rights violations.
“Around 200 young people were being held at the base for forced military training. This issue must not be ignored. Due to network problems, we are struggling to get more details.
We pray for the safety of everyone,” said Ko Thein Zaw, a local activist, in a Facebook post.
Strategic Military Base Targeted
Kyikanpyin Headquarters was previously the largest Myanmar border guard command center in Maungdaw, overseeing 10 battalions before it was taken over by the AA.
The airstrike is part of the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, which has been fighting for territorial control over Rakhine State.
The impact of the explosions was so severe that tremors were felt across Maungdaw and even in parts of Bangladesh near the border. With communication lines down, the death toll may rise, as reports from the area remain limited.
Rohingya Trapped Between Warring Sides
This latest attack highlights the continued suffering of the Rohingya people, who remain trapped between warring factions with no safe place to call home.
For years, the Rohingya community has faced persecution, displacement, and exploitation, and this airstrike adds yet another tragedy to their struggle for survival.
The international community is being urged to investigate and take action to prevent further atrocities against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.
