Myanmar Junta Killed 3 Civilians in Each Two Days Since November 2023 in Arakan: HDCO Source

News Analysis, November 4, 2026

Family members crying for their loved ones killed by junta air attacks in Ponnagyun (photocrd)

Observers often say that civilians are the main victims of war between opposing forces. While this statement is generally true, it does not distinguish between those who protect local communities and those responsible for attacking them.

In Arakan, the conflict between Myanmar's military junta and the Arakan Army (AA) has different meanings for the two sides and the local population. Many local people view the AA as a force defending and liberating Arakan, while they see the Myanmar junta as an invading force responsible for widespread violence and suffering. Therefore, civilian casualties in Arakan must be examined alongside the conduct and responsibilities of the parties involved.

Data from the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) highlights the scale of civilian suffering. From the resumption of war in late 2023 until September 2026, Myanmar junta forces reportedly killed 1,243 civilians in Arakan. This amounts to approximately three civilian deaths every two days. Such a figure is not merely a statistic. It represents families losing their loved ones, children growing up without parents, and communities struggling to recover from repeated violence. The scale of these deaths demands serious attention from the international community.

Arakan has become one of the areas heavily affected by civilian casualties during Myanmar's ongoing civil war. The situation has worsened as the junta has lost control of most of Arakan's territory. Since early 2025, its air force has carried out attacks that have caused severe harm to civilian populations. When a military force cannot regain territory through ground operations, the use of air power against populated areas creates further danger for people who have no role in the fighting. Attacks that deliberately target civilians or civilian objects may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and require independent investigation.

The international community is already facing multiple crises. The war in Ukraine, the suffering in Gaza, and conflicts in Sudan, Yemen, and Ethiopia have drawn global attention because of civilian deaths, displacement, and humanitarian emergencies. However, the existence of these crises should not make the suffering in Arakan less visible. Civilians should receive protection regardless of where they live or how much international attention their conflict attracts. The repeated loss of civilian lives in Arakan deserves a stronger response from international institutions and regional powers.

The central concern is how to prevent further deaths rather than simply record them after each attack. Statements of concern and calls for restraint are insufficient if they are not followed by practical measures. The United Nations and relevant international stakeholders should strengthen efforts to monitor attacks, document civilian casualties, support independent investigations, and ensure that evidence of possible war crimes is preserved. They should also work to improve humanitarian access for affected communities and support those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Myanmar junta bombed Byar-La IDP camp in Ponnagyun on October 4, 2026 (photocrd)

Regional actors have an especially important role. China and India have significant interests in Arakan, while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a continuing interest in stability across Myanmar. These actors should give greater attention to civilian protection and use their diplomatic influence to press for an end to attacks on populated areas. Their engagement should focus not only on political arrangements or economic projects but also on the safety and dignity of the people living in conflict-affected regions.

Ultimately, the deaths of 1,243 civilians since late 2023 demonstrate the urgency of addressing the human cost of the war in Arakan. Every civilian life lost represents a failure to prevent suffering that should never be treated as an ordinary consequence of conflict. The international community must move beyond expressions of concern and pursue meaningful action to protect civilians, investigate alleged violations, and prevent further attacks. Arakan's people should not have to endure three civilian deaths every two days while the world looks elsewhere.