Maungdaw, Myanmar — On June 22, 2024, tensions in Maungdaw Township escalated dramatically as the Myanmar military intercepted and attacked vehicles transporting World Food Programme (WFP) rations. These vehicles, under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), were in the process of moving goods from the WFP’s warehouse to areas under AA control since mid-June. The confrontation resulted in the Myanmar military confiscating and redistributing the rations to local residents before setting fire to the WFP warehouse.
Local sources confirmed that the incident occurred around 3 miles from Thar Zay village, where the WFP warehouse is located within its sub-office compound. Ko Kyaw, a villager from Maungdaw, witnessed the warehouse burning on the morning of June 23. The blaze followed the military’s seizure of the remaining rations, compounding the crisis for the approximately 70,000 Rohingya trapped in Maungdaw, who now face severe shortages of food and basic necessities.
The AA, which has been in control of significant parts of Rakhine State, including areas around Maungdaw, has been relocating WFP supplies to its own storage facilities since the middle of June. The Myanmar military’s aggressive move to intercept these deliveries and subsequently destroy the WFP warehouse has left local and international humanitarian efforts in disarray.
As the conflict intensifies, the local staff of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) remaining in Maungdaw have indicated they will seek refuge in the UN office if the fighting extends into the downtown area. The deteriorating security situation has led to fears of further violence and displacement, with no safe zones available for the vulnerable Rohingya population.
The ongoing conflict in Rakhine State, marked by clashes between the Myanmar military and the AA, has already resulted in extensive civilian displacement and suffering. The AA’s control over much of the region and the Myanmar military’s aggressive tactics have created a dire humanitarian situation. According to reports, this latest incident underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the growing crisis.
International observers and humanitarian organizations have condemned the attack on WFP assets and called for immediate measures to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of essential aid. The destruction of the WFP warehouse, a critical lifeline for thousands of displaced Rohingyas, highlights the severe impact of the conflict on humanitarian operations and the pressing need for a peaceful resolution.
