by Hafizur Rahman
Pauk Taw Township, Arakan State | 8 March 2026
Heavy air attacks were carried out on Pauk Taw Township in Arakan State, about 16 miles east of Sittwe, on the night of 6 March, according to local sources.
The attacks reportedly began around 9:00 p.m. and continued until about 11:00 p.m. During this period, four jet fighter aircraft carried out eight airstrikes and fired 13 rockets at the area.
Two Y 12 aircraft were also used in the operation. According to reports, the aircraft carried out about 25 bombing runs, dropping a total of 93 bombs. The attacks continued until around 1:49 a.m., and more than 100 bombs were reportedly dropped in total.
A local resident said the Myanmar Junta carried out heavy airstrikes on mountain areas between Kyaim Maw, Tat Maw, and Dar Paing. The attacks lasted for nearly two hours and created fear among local residents, particularly women and children.
So far, there are no confirmed reports of civilian deaths or injuries. However, it remains unclear whether any fighters were injured during the attacks.
By the morning of 7 March, thousands of people living near the bombing areas had reportedly fled their homes and moved to safer locations.
At the same time, fighting was reported in at least 14 locations between Sittwe and Ponnagyun. Security forces from units based in Sittwe reportedly fired around 50 rockets overnight toward areas where clashes were taking place.
Residents say recent attacks across Arakan State have intensified, with aircraft carrying out heavy bombing more frequently.
On the morning of 7 March, a heavy shell exploded near the malaria ward and the emergency ward of Sittwe General Hospital. The shell reportedly landed in a storage room, and no injuries were reported.
