Junta Airstrike on POW Detention Site Kills 21 Captured Soldiers and Family Members, Injures 30 More in Arakan

News January 21, 2026

An airstrike by the Myanmar military junta's air force on a site west of Chaung Tu (also known as Saung Done) village—near the border between Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun townships in Arakan (Rakhine) State—has resulted in the deaths of 21 junta prisoners of war (POWs) and their family members, with 30 others injured, according to the Arakan Army (AA).

The deliberate attack occurred on January 20 at around 7:25 PM local time. Two junta fighter jets conducted sequential strikes, dropping a total of four 300-pound bombs on four specific locations holding the POWs: one bomb on the medical treatment room where POWs were receiving care; one on the surrounding area of that room; one near the quarters housing POW women and children; and one near the men's quarters.

The casualties include junta soldiers and their family members (including women), who had surrendered to the AA during recent clashes by raising white flags and entering AA custody for various reasons. Among the 30 injured, five are in critical condition and receiving emergency treatment.

The AA stated that these POWs were being held humanely at a temporary detention site and were slated for imminent release. The junta's airstrike demonstrates a blatant disregard for the lives of its own personnel and families, constituting a grave violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions protecting POWs and civilians.

This follows an initial AA report on January 20 confirming the strike but without full casualty figures at the time. No independent verification of the exact numbers is available as of January 21, 2026, though ongoing clashes in Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun—AA-controlled areas amid the broader Rakhine offensive—have seen frequent junta airstrikes, as reported by sources like Narinjara News and Burma News International (e.g., recent civilian deaths in nearby townships). The junta has not commented on this incident.

The AA condemns the "fascist terrorist junta" for intentionally targeting the site, highlighting a pattern of inhumane tactics in Arakan where the AA holds significant territory.

source@onenationnews