AA Begins Clearing Landmines in Villages Near Maungdaw City

By: Camp Correspondent

Maungdaw, Rakhine State – February 13, 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) has begun clearing landmines and abandoned weapons in several villages near Maungdaw City, Rakhine State. The operation, which started on the morning of February 12, aims to remove dangerous remnants left behind after months of fighting.

Local residents report that villages including Barsuu, Aetalya, Zula, Horitulah, and Shwezar—as well as coastal villages like Gonena, Katbe, and Settipyin—are undergoing clearance operations. “Many landmines and weapons were left behind after months of fighting,” said one resident. However, landmines still remain in public areas within Maungdaw City. “There are still landmines near Maung Ni Mosque and on the roads between Kyain Taung and Nyaung Chaung-Pantawpyin,” a community member reported.

Residents allege that both the military and AA planted landmines near key locations such as the Intulla-Shwezar Bridge, Prawn Ponds, and in Zula and Horitulah villages. “Farmers are afraid to work in their fields because of the landmines,” said a villager from Nyaung Chaung.

A tragic incident in Gonena Village, Shwezar, underscored the dangers. A teenage boy died after picking up a landmine while collecting crops. “He took it to a tea shop and tried to open it,” a witness recounted. The explosion killed him instantly and injured four others; two of the injured have been sent to Bangladesh for treatment, while the other two are being treated locally.

Despite the clearance efforts, many displaced Rohingya are still not allowed to return to Maungdaw City. “Rakhine and Hindu families can go back, but we are still denied our basic rights,” said a Rohingya IDP. “We can’t even move freely.” Currently, Rohingya return is permitted only in a few villages, including Shwezar, Pantawpyin, and Nyaung Chaung, where restrictions remain in place.

Rohingya communities continue to call for equal rights and a safe return to their homes as they face the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance and enduring displacement.