83 Civilians Killed, 187 Injured in Military Commission Attacks Across Rakhine During First Half of 2026
AB News | July 3, 2026
At least 83 civilians were killed and 187 others seriously injured in attacks carried out by the Military Commission across Rakhine State during the first six months of 2026, according to a report released by the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO).
The report, issued on July 3, states that between January and June 2026, Military Commission attacks also resulted in the arbitrary arrest of 65 civilians, while repeated strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure continued to worsen the humanitarian situation.
According to HDCO, Military Commission airstrikes intensified across Rakhine between July 1 and July 3, with aerial bombardments continuing in several areas.
The report says the ongoing attacks have caused increasing civilian casualties and extensive damage to homes, public buildings, and religious and educational facilities.
HDCO warned that if the airstrikes continue unabated, civilian deaths and injuries are likely to rise further, while more residents could be forced to flee their homes, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The organization also called on the international community to take effective action to end attacks on civilians, protect civilian lives and property, and ensure the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Top Prize for Second Arakkha Laung Paw Lottery Increased to 75 Million Kyats
AB News | July 4, 2026
The Central Customs and Tax Department under the Arakkha People's Revolutionary Government (APRG) has increased the top prize for the second Arakkha Laung Paw Lottery to 75 million kyats (750 lakh).
When the lottery was first introduced in June, the highest prize was set at 50 million kyats (500 lakh). For the second draw, the top prize has been increased by 25 million kyats (250 lakh).
Sales of second-round lottery tickets will begin across towns in Arakkha on July 4 and July 5, depending on the location.
A resident told AB News:
"Ticket sales have already started today in Mrauk-U. In some other towns, sales will begin on July 5. Now that the top prize has been increased to 75 million kyats, people are very excited."
During the inaugural lottery, prizes included:
First Prize: 50 million kyats (1 winner)
Second Prize: 30 million kyats (1 winner)
Third Prize: 20 million kyats (1 winner)
Fourth Prize: 5 million kyats (6 winners)
Fifth Prize: 1 million kyats (10 winners)
Sixth Prize: 500,000 kyats (20 winners)
Lottery tickets will continue to be sold at 1,000 kyats per ticket, making them widely affordable for local residents. With the increase in prize money, public interest in the second Arakkha Laung Paw Lottery has reportedly grown significantly.
One Civilian Killed, Five Injured in Military Commission Airstrike on Buthidaung Township
AB News | July 4, 2026
One civilian was killed and five others, including two young children, were injured after Military Commission aircraft carried out another airstrike on War Net Yone (Town) Village in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, on July 3, local sources said.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., the Military Commission launched an aerial attack using three fighter jets, including a Y-12 support aircraft, dropping an estimated 50 bombs on War Net Yone Village.
The attack killed Daw Yaw Thar May, 64, from Taragu (Khami) Village.
The injured were identified as:
Maung Nay Zaw Lin, 3, from Taragu (Khami) Village;
Maung Aung Aung Naing, 3, from Taragu (Khami) Village;
Ma Sandar May, 18, from Taragu (Khami) Village;
Ko Maung Hla Kyaw, 23, from Taragu (Khami) Village; and
U Kyaw Tha, 46, from Sin Phyu Taung Village.
Those seriously injured are currently receiving emergency treatment at nearby medical facilities, according to local sources.
Since July 1, the Military Commission has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in Maungdaw District. At the same time, residents reported that Bangladesh-based Islamic militant groups—including ARSA, RSO, and ARA—have been infiltrating across the Rakhine–Bangladesh border to transport supplies and expand their military activities.
According to a report released yesterday by the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), Military Commission attacks between January and June 2026 killed 83 civilians, seriously injured 187 others, and resulted in the arbitrary arrest of 65 civilians.
Photo: APM.
ULA Leads Tree-Planting Drive Along Minbya–Myaypon Highway Ahead of Minbya's Planned Renaming
AB News – July 2, 2026
The United League of Arakan (ULA), in collaboration with the Green Arakkha environmental initiative, has led a large-scale tree-planting campaign along the Minbya–Myaypon Highway to commemorate the planned renaming of Minbya Town, according to local sources.
The event was held on July 1 and organized by the Minbya District Party Committee.
The ULA/AA has not yet officially announced the town's new name. As of publication, Arakan Bay News has been unable to independently confirm what Minbya will be renamed.
Participants included members of the ULA district party committee, party youth volunteers, Arakan Army (AA) personnel, officials from the Arakkha People's Revolutionary Government, firefighters, and local youth, who jointly planted trees along the highway.
Commemorative signboards marking the planned town renaming, along with environmental awareness slogans such as "Plant Trees to Keep Our Towns and Villages Green and Beautiful," were also installed along the roadside.
A party youth member who took part in the event told AB News:
"I'm proud to personally participate in this historic occasion marking the town's renaming while contributing to the greening of our region. As these trees grow, they will also provide shade for people traveling along this road."
Organizers said the campaign was intended not only to commemorate the forthcoming renaming of Minbya but also to promote environmental conservation, improve the region's greenery, and contribute to a healthier climate.
Photo caption: ULA members, AA personnel, local officials, and volunteers plant trees along the Minbya–Myaypon Highway ahead of the planned renaming of Minbya Town. (Photo: Arakan Bay News)