Maungdaw Township, Myanmar On June 20, 2024, fierce fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, resulted in the deaths of four Rohingyas and injuries to more than ten others. This surge in violence has left the local Rohingya population devastated and displaced.
The conflict, centered around Maung Ni and Pan Taw Pyin Rohingya villages, saw the AA launch a drone attack at around 10:30 p.m., killing two residents and injuring two more. Among the victims were Mohammad Hubaib, an 11-year-old boy, and a woman from Habi Rohingya village. These relentless attacks wounded several other villagers.
The AA’s offensive did not stop there. The AA’s drone strikes in Myoma Ka Yin Tan village resulted in the deaths of two more Rohingyas and the injuries of several others on the same day. The intense exchanges of fire between the AA positioned in Pan Taw Pyin village and the Myanmar military stationed in Maung Ni village have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant civilian casualties.
The ongoing conflict has forced the evacuation of Rohingya villagers from Pan Taw Pyin, Maung Ni, Myoma Ka Yin Taung, and Zin Thu Hla villages. Many have sought refuge in Maungdaw downtown and Farang Furu village despite the looming threats of violence and a lack of safe havens.
In addition to the immediate casualties, the broader humanitarian crisis is deepening. Reports indicate that the junta’s military blockades and bridge destruction have trapped over 20,000 civilians, primarily Rohingyas and Hindus, in Maungdaw. These civilians face severe shortages of food and medicine, living under constant fear of airstrikes and artillery fire.
The international community has expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians. Calls for stronger sanctions and humanitarian interventions continue to grow, aiming to alleviate the suffering and ensure the protection of Myanmar’s vulnerable populations.
