Heavy clashes have erupted in Myanmar’s Maungdaw Township between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), resulting in significant casualties and displacements among Rohingya villagers. The violence, which started on June 18, 2024, saw both sides using heavy weaponry, including artillery and drones, targeting civilian areas.
According to local sources, the Arakan Army launched attacks on the Rohingya villages of Myo Oo (Italia) and Latha. In Myo Oo, heavy weapon fire resulted in numerous casualties and forced villagers to flee. Eyewitnesses reported AA fighters shouting ethnic slurs at the fleeing villagers and preventing them from taking food. Uncertainty surrounds the exact number of deaths, but confirmation exists for several Similarly, at least two villagers in Latha lost their lives and several others sustained injuries, leading to additional displacement.placement.
The Myanmar military also intensified its operations, with a drone strike in Pan Taw Pyin village killing at least three people and injuring several others. The military has taken positions in Maung Ni village and is actively targeting Pan Taw Pyin. The Rohingya villagers, forced to flee their homes under dire conditions, have no safe refuge due to the continuous violence.
This latest escalation threatens the fragile informal ceasefire that has been in place between the Myanmar military and the AA since late 2020. The renewed hostilities highlight the region’s volatility and the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting the Rohingya community.
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