Myanmar military airstrike on Rakhine market kills 50 as families gather the dead

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Myanmar's military dropped two bombs near a busy wholesale market in Kyauktaw township on Monday, killing at least 50 people and wounding 58 others, including 22 critically. The Arakan Army, the rebel militia controlling the area, said vendors, shoppers and pedestrians bore the brunt of the attack. A senior rescue official described it as "one of the most severe airstrikes in Rakhine" and confirmed the toll.

The Kyauktaw market was the region's main wholesale centre, drawing traders from across the area.

Since seizing power from Aung San Suu Kyi's government in 2021, Myanmar's military has repeatedly bombed rebel forces and ethnic armed organisations across the country.

The Arakan Army vowed to "take effective retaliatory measures soon" against those responsible for the attack.