Since June 29, 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) store in Myo Ma Ka Yin Dan Ward, Maungdaw Township, has faced accusations of looting by the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP). Local sources report that the BGP seized various humanitarian supplies, including canned fish, mats, batteries, lights, tarpaulins, solar panels, and generators.
Residents of Maungdaw Township have reported that these stolen items are being sold at a discount to the local Muslim population. Witnesses claim that on July 1, the BGP summoned Muslim residents they found on the streets and offered them the looted goods at reduced prices.
One resident revealed that the Myanmar military photographed individuals purchasing the discounted items. This has led to concerns that the military may use these images to falsely accuse the residents of looting the ICRC store themselves. However, the community quickly saw through this tactic and rejected the military’s claims.
The looting incident occurs amidst ongoing conflict and tension in the region. The Arakan Army (AA) has been actively engaging in military operations against the junta, including seizing a military outpost in Pae Yoon Taung Village, Maungdaw Township, in February. These clashes have contributed to a volatile environment in Arakan State.
The looting of the ICRC store is a significant blow to humanitarian efforts in the region, where thousands of residents rely on aid. The ICRC has been a critical provider of essential supplies and support, and the loss of these resources will likely exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation.
Human rights organizations and local activists are calling for accountability and the immediate cessation of such actions by the BGP and military forces. They emphasize the need for international attention and intervention to protect humanitarian efforts and support the vulnerable populations in the conflict-affected areas of Myanmar.
