by Hafizur Rahman
Pauktaw Township, Arakan State | December 23, 2025
Myanmar military jets carried out multiple airstrikes on Pauktaw Township on Tuesday afternoon, dropping at least eight bombs that shook buildings as far away as Sittwe Hospital, according to local residents and sources in the area.
The airstrikes reportedly took place in three waves, around 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm. Residents said the explosions were powerful enough to rattle walls and windows in nearby towns, causing widespread fear among civilians.
According to local sources, most of the bombs struck forested areas where camps of the Arakan Army are believed to be located. There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties, though authorities and local networks said assessments were still ongoing.
A Rohingya resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the blasts were sudden and terrifying. He said he was inside his home when the explosions hit and the walls began to shake, leaving him fearing for his life.
Another resident, Nurul Islam, told Rohingya Khobor that the sound of fighter jets could be heard clearly before the bombs were dropped. He said children began crying and families ran for cover, even though the strikes appeared to hit forest areas rather than residential zones.
Fatema Begum, a resident of the area, said the experience was frightening for the community. She said people were unsure about the safety of their neighbors, but initial information suggested the military avoided direct strikes on civilian areas.
The airstrikes have heightened anxiety across Pauktaw and surrounding townships, including Sittwe, where residents reported buildings shaking from the force of the explosions. Communities are calling for greater protection of civilians as fighting continues in Arakan State.
