Sittwe, Myanmar Rumors of an imminent armed conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s military junta are causing fear and uncertainty among the Rohingya refugees in Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State. This tension comes after the government relocated fifteen Rakhine villages from rural to urban areas in Sittwe, escalating concerns among the already vulnerable Rohingya population.
A Rohingya resident from one of Sittwe’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, speaking under anonymity, expressed grave concerns: “Even though there were no IDP camps in Buthidaung, many residents died in the armed conflict between the AA and the Junta. Sittwe houses the largest number of Rohingya IDPs. If conflict breaks out here, we face a significant threat, as there is no safe place for us to move to. Casualties could be high, and the situation may deteriorate further.”
The AA, fighting for Rakhine State’s autonomy, has reportedly seized numerous military bases across various townships, but Sittwe remains under junta control. The junta’s increased security measures and deployment of troops around IDP camps in Sittwe have heightened tensions. Abdur Rahman, an IDP from the Baw Du Pha camp, voiced his fears: “Both sides might use us as human shields and our camps and villages as battlegrounds. We are very afraid.”
Following the 2012 conflict, the majority of Rohingyas in Rakhine State have been living as refugees, particularly concentrated in Sittwe. Recent reports suggest that the military junta has been forcibly recruiting Rohingya youths from these camps, often under false promises of citizenship and other incentives. The conscription efforts have resulted in abuse and severe exploitation, adding to the Rohingyas’ plight.
As both the AA and the junta increase their military activities, the Rohingya communities find themselves caught in the crossfire, facing threats from all sides. The international community continues to call for urgent humanitarian interventions to protect these vulnerable populations and prevent further escalation of violence.
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