By: Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, Myanmar – December 23, 2024
A devastating fire in Maungdaw has destroyed over 100 Rohingya houses and damaged more than 400 others, sparking outrage among Rohingya communities and human rights organizations. The fire is alleged to have been started by the Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group operating in the region. However, the AA has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
Local sources report that the affected area had no Rohingya residents at the time of the fire, as most had fled earlier due to ongoing violence and conflict. The absence of the Myanmar military in Maungdaw further raises questions about the motive and perpetrators of this attack. Maungdaw has long been a flashpoint of violence, adding to the suffering of the Rohingya people.
This incident exacerbates the hardships faced by the Rohingya, many of whom are already displaced and living as refugees in Bangladesh or enduring poor conditions elsewhere. Human rights groups have condemned the attack and called on the international community to take urgent action.
“The destruction of homes further deepens the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State,” said a human rights activist. “The world cannot continue to ignore these atrocities.”
Activists are urging organizations like the United Nations to hold the perpetrators accountable and provide immediate aid to those affected. The loss of homes and resources threatens to derail any attempts at fostering peace in the region.
The situation in Maungdaw remains precarious, with fears of further violence looming. Humanitarian organizations and global leaders are being called upon to intervene and support the Rohingya people in their time of need.
