Arakanese civilians face widespread violence, humanitarian aid blockades, UN mechanism warns

By Admin 25 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

25 September 2026, Sittwe

People across Arakan State face ongoing violence, severe shortages of basic necessities, and restrictions on humanitarian aid, according to a statement released by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM).

At least 600,000 people remain internally displaced across Arakan State due to ongoing conflict. Displaced populations receive minimal humanitarian assistance while facing severe job shortages, skyrocketing commodity prices, and widespread hunger.

“It has been nearly three years since we fled from Sittwe,” a displaced woman from Kyauktaw Township told DMG. “Surging commodity prices are leaving displaced families facing starvation. Without financial assistance, larger households are suffering even greater hardship.”

The UN mechanism reported that Arakanese civilians are falling victim to military regime airstrikes, heavy artillery shelling, drone strikes, arbitrary detention, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and killings.

Consequently, the IIMM warned that current conditions across Arakan State remain volatile and extremely dangerous for local populations.

“The military danger in Arakan State remains unpredictable,” a female resident of Thandwe Township said. “In recent days, junta aircraft have dropped bombs in formation, driving casualties higher. Airstrikes are making it extremely difficult for displaced people to survive and find secure shelter.”

Since the launch of offensives to capture towns in Arakan State, the military regime has implemented a four-cuts strategy, forcing local residents to endure its severe consequences to this day.

Inadequate assistance from international NGOs and INGOs has further exacerbated the crisis for civilians caught in the crossfire.

“As the number of displaced people is extremely high, we see displaced families facing starvation,” U Soe Aung, chairman of the Yammarwati Zarmani Philanthropic Association, told DMG. “In many places, temporary shelters remain insecure, provide inadequate protection, or have not been built at all.”

Town capture battles that began in November 2023 continue to rage across Arakan State, with intense fighting currently centered around Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships as the military regime escalates airstrikes across the state.

Caught amid the conflict, Arakanese civilians are enduring severe livelihood crises while living in constant fear of military airstrikes, compounding an already deep humanitarian emergency.