Livestock in Rakhine State’s Rathedaung Township have reportedly died suddenly in recent days, with the Arakan Government’s Health Department attributing the deaths to possible exposure to toxic substances left behind by military airstrikes.

According to the department, some cattle and buffaloes may have consumed residues from bombs used in recent airstrikes. The department said explosive and chemical residues could have remained in the environment and may have been carried by rainwater, potentially contaminating surrounding areas.

The reports have raised concerns about the possible use of chemical weapons by the Myanmar military during airstrikes in Rakhine.

An unnamed military source told Laywaddy FM that there had reportedly been discussions within the military about conducting extensive airstrikes in Rakhine, targeting areas where civilians had returned, and using chemical bombs.

“There was a mission discussed within the military to make extensive use of airstrikes in Rakhine, target areas where civilians had returned to live, and use chemical bombs in the areas being bombed,” the source said.

The source warned that the use of chemical weapons could result in long-term contamination and could further hinder the recovery and reconstruction of affected communities.

There have also been previous allegations of chemical weapons being used by the Myanmar military in areas controlled by resistance forces.

In April 2025, DPLA and TNLA said that seven chemical gas bombs had been dropped near Taung Kham village in Nawnghkio Township, where the two groups were operating.

Earlier, in January 2024, the MNDAA accused the Myanmar military of carrying out an attack with toxic chemical bombs in Tar Shwe Htan in the Laukkai area. The group said 10 civilians were poisoned and two children died in the incident.

Rakhine has faced frequent military airstrikes in recent months. Residents and local authorities are increasingly concerned that residues from bombs and other potentially toxic substances could remain in the environment and spread through soil and waterways.

The potential contamination poses a wider threat to communities that rely heavily on rivers, streams and other natural water sources for drinking water, agriculture, livestock and their livelihoods.

However, the allegations of chemical-weapons use and the reported cause of the livestock deaths have not been independently verified.