An airstrike conducted by Myanmar’s military on Kyauk Ni Maw village, located on Ramree Island in Rakhine State, resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians, according to the Arakan Army (AA). Spokesperson Khaing Thukha described the attack as a “war crime” by the military junta, targeting innocent civilians in a densely populated Muslim-majority village.
The bombing occurred at 1:20 PM on January 8, in Kyauk Ni Maw village of Ramree Township. The junta’s fighter jets dropped bombs without any preceding clashes in the area. The attack led to extensive damage: 40 fatalities, 20 injuries, and the destruction of over 500 homes due to widespread fires, which were extinguished only by 6:30 PM that evening.
“On January 8, 2025, at 1:20 PM, the junta launched a barbaric airstrike with fighter jets on Kyauk Ni Maw village in Ramree Township. The southern part of the village was hit directly, triggering a massive fire that spread to the central and northern areas. By the time the fire was contained at 6:30 PM, over 500 homes were destroyed. Initial reports indicate that 40 civilians were killed, and over 20 were injured,” stated AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha.
The AA condemned the attack as an “inhumane and cowardly” act targeting civilians in a non-conflict zone. “This deliberate targeting of innocent civilians in a peaceful area underscores the junta’s heinous nature and constitutes a blatant war crime,” added Khaing Thukha.
Kyauk Ni Maw village is densely populated, with a significant Muslim community. The AA highlighted that the high casualty rate was due to the junta’s deliberate targeting of civilian areas during the airstrike.
