By: Camp Correspondent
February 10, 2025
A tragic landmine explosion struck Gunnah Hamlet in Shwe Zar village, Maungdaw Township, at approximately 10:00 AM on February 10, 2025. The blast claimed the life of Ferus Khan, a Rohingya civilian, and injured four others—Mohammad Nur, Mohammed Junaid, Akter Ahmed, and Mohammad Hussein.
Local residents expressed deep concern over the persistent threat posed by unexploded landmines in the area. One resident from Shwe Zar village stated,
“We are living in fear every day. These landmines are everywhere, and we don’t know when or where they will explode. Innocent people are losing their lives.”
Another villager, who witnessed the aftermath, described the scene:
“We heard a loud explosion, and when we rushed to the spot, we saw people on the ground, covered in blood. It was heartbreaking. The young man who died had no idea he was handling something dangerous.”
A relative of one of the injured victims, speaking with evident grief, added,
“My brother was just walking nearby when the explosion happened. He had nothing to do with it, yet he is now in the hospital, fighting for his life. We don’t know if he will recover fully.”
Maungdaw Township, which continues to bear the scars of past conflicts, remains heavily littered with unexploded ordnance. Residents have repeatedly called on the authorities to take immediate action. An elderly villager stressed,
“These explosives have been here for years. The authorities must take responsibility and clear them before more innocent people die.”
Another local frustrated by the lack of demining efforts asked,
“How many more lives must be lost before proper demining operations are carried out? We are not safe in our own villages. Every day, we fear stepping on something deadly.”
Authorities have not yet issued an official comment on the incident. However, the explosion underscores the urgent need for comprehensive landmine clearance operations and improved safety measures in these high-risk areas.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment, while the community remains on edge, fearing that similar incidents may occur again. Independent verification of some details is ongoing.
