A historic cave pagoda in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, home to hundreds of revered Buddhist statues, has been severely damaged in an alleged airstrike by the Myanmar military, according to local sources.

The ancient site is located along the Union Highway linking Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw. Residents said military forces based in Sittwe launched a coordinated attack around 10pm on September 4, using both heavy artillery and aircraft.

The bombardment caused extensive damage inside the cave complex, with many of its estimated 500 ancient statues of Arahants, or enlightened Buddhist disciples, reportedly destroyed or badly fractured. According to Narinjara, photographs shared by local advocate Ko Wai Hin Aung showed significant destruction inside the sacred site following the attack.

The incident adds to growing concerns over damage to religious and cultural heritage sites amid the continuing conflict in Rakhine State, where fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army has intensified.

The military has not publicly commented on the reported attack or explained the reason for targeting the area.

BOB Post