Thousands of locals pinned down by Maungdaw clashes

By Admin 18 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
18 June 2024, Maungdaw

Thousands of local people are reportedly trapped by fierce fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) as the ethnic armed group has launched a battle for control of Maungdaw Township in Arakan State over recent days.

A clash between the military and AA broke out near Pantawpyin Village at an entrance to Maungdaw, and a junta jet fighter opened fire on AA positions at around 12 noon on Tuesday.

“My mother and brothers are still trapped by the fighting and there is no escape route for them,” said a Maungdaw resident displaced by the fighting. “They were reportedly threatened by ARSA [Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army] members in Maung Ni Pyin Village that they will be killed if they attempt to flee. We are worried about their safety.”

Among the people trapped by the Maungdaw fighting are Arakanese, Muslims and Hindus, and the AA is reportedly attempting to rescue those trapped by the fighting.

The AA on June 16 issued a notice to residents to leave Maungdaw as soon as possible, as the ethnic armed group was preparing to attack the remaining junta camps in the border town. Many locals now find themselves unable to flee due to fierce fighting outside Maungdaw Town.

“They have to eat rice with ripened mango as they are unable to flee Maungdaw. Phone lines have been cut off in downtown Maungdaw,” said another Maungdaw resident.

The AA has seized several junta bases, military camps and Border Guard Force (BGF) outposts in Maungdaw. It has also stepped up attacks on Border Guard Police Battalion Nos. 2 and 5 and the Nar Khaung To camp.

The AA has thus far seized nine townships in Arakan State along with Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State, as well as scores of military camps in other Arakan State townships. Thousands of local people have been displaced by armed clashes in Maungdaw, Ann, Thandwe and Taungup townships, where likewise some are trapped by the fighting.