By: Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State – February 9, 2025
An 18‑year‑old man from Wethali village in Maungdaw Township was severely injured after stepping on a landmine on February 8, 2025. The explosion occurred at approximately 2:00 PM in the eastern part of the village, near a residential fence. The victim, identified as Maung Thun Sein—the son of U Ba Thun from Thihol Aye village—suffered serious injuries, including the loss of part of his right foot.
A local source reported,
“His injuries were severe, and we had to act quickly to provide him with medical treatment.”
The aid was reportedly provided by the Arakan Army (AA), which has been involved in offering emergency assistance in the area.
This incident is part of an escalating series of landmine accidents in Maungdaw Township. Just a few days earlier on February 5, another man from Gone Nar village in the Shwezar Group stepped on a landmine inside his home and lost one of his feet. In a related tragedy, local sources confirmed that on January 29, a child from Gone Nar village died after stepping on a landmine.
Furthermore, on February 6, three individuals in Gone Nar village were injured by landmine explosions. The victims included Ma Nu Kyaw Atar (2 years old), Ma Nu Kyak Dar (30 years old), and Kyaw Myint Naing (28 years old). Among them, Ma Nu Kyak Dar suffered the loss of part of his right foot.
The repeated incidents of landmine explosions have heightened fears among local residents, who are now calling for immediate action to clear the dangerous remnants of conflict. One villager expressed the community’s distress, stating,
“We are living in fear every day, wondering if we or our children will be next. We urge the Arakan Army to help clear these mines and keep our community safe.”
As landmine risks continue to threaten the safety of civilians in Maungdaw Township, local residents and humanitarian organizations are urging swift and comprehensive demining efforts to prevent further injuries and loss of life.
