Nine Killed in Junta Airstrike on Thandwe Township

Photo: The Irrawaddy

Arakan Now | 30 December 2025

At least nine people were killed after junta fighter jets bombed Thandwe Township in Rakhine State on Monday night, according to local residents.

The airstrike hit Ali Ward near the popular Ngapali Beach. Two 500-pound bombs were dropped, destroying at least 10 houses. More than 13 people were injured in the attack.

Earlier, the junta’s election commission announced that voting would take place in Thandwe Township during the third phase of the election on January 25. However, just hours before the first phase of voting on Sunday, the commission removed Thandwe from the list of areas where elections would be held, according to The Irrawaddy.

The Arakan Army (AA) now controls 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine State. The junta held elections in only three towns it still controls on Sunday.