LaywaddyFM. 24,Aug,2026

Residents of several villages in Thandwe Township have reportedly been forced to flee their homes and return to displacement sites as military airstrikes continue to target civilian areas across the township.

According to local residents, air attacks carried out by Myanmar’s military junta during July and August have struck areas in and around Thandwe, including villages located to the east, west, north, and south of the town.

“People in the villages are talking among themselves about which village might be targeted next. Children are afraid to go to school, and some families are taking shelter in forested areas,” a resident of Maung Shwe Lay Village told Lay Waddy FM.

Villages and communities affected by the renewed displacement include Jit Taw Village, Maung Shwe Lay Village, Puryit Yekauk Village, and Doe Taung Ward, where residents have reportedly relocated to areas they believe are safer from further attacks.

Local residents said the continuing airstrikes have created a climate of fear, threatening civilian lives and property while severely disrupting daily economic activities.

“People can no longer do business properly at the market. Even sidecar motorcycle taxi drivers are afraid to go out,” a resident of Thandwe town said.

During July and August, the military carried out repeated airstrikes on Thandwe town, Antaw Ward, Jit Taw Ward, Ngapali Beach, Doe Taung Ward, Kyauk Gyi Village, and Puryit Yekauk Village.

Similar attacks were also reported in neighboring Gwa Township, where Kyintali town, Nyaung Chaung Village, and Kine Khone Village were targeted. Local sources reported that more than 100 civilians were killed or injured in those attacks.

The deadliest incident in Thandwe Township occurred in Kyauk Gyi Village, where an airstrike reportedly killed 16 civilians in a single attack.

Residents said the repeated airstrikes have destroyed homes belonging to families who had previously returned to resettle in the area, leaving many once again displaced and without shelter.