Regime attacks in Arakan State kill eight civilians, injure nine in first week of May

By Admin 07 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
7 May 2024, Sittwe

Eight civilians were killed and nine others were injured by junta shellings, airstrikes and landmine blasts in Arakan State from May 1-7, according to a DMG tally.

Eight people — one each from Ann and Minbya, two from Maungdaw and four from Kyauktaw — were killed and nine people — two from Kyauktaw, one each from Minbya and Taungup, and five from Ann — were injured by the junta attacks.

U Kyaw Thein, in his 50s from Aungzeya Village in Maungdaw Township, was shot dead near the 4th-Mile Village-based border guard force battalion No. 2 on May 4.

“He is an internally displaced person and takes refuge in Magyigon Village. He was shot dead near the junta’s border guard force battalion 2 on his way from a local bazaar,” said a resident.

The military regime, which has faced defeat after military defeat in Arakan State to the Arakkha Army, is targeting towns and villages, causing civilian casualties to rise steadily in recent months.

Civilian casualties are on the rise as the regime increasingly fires heavy weapons and carries out airstrikes on towns held by the AA or where control is contested.

Sixteen civilians were killed and 69 others were injured by junta shellings and airstrikes in Arakan State last month, according to a DMG tally.

“As the military regime is losing ground battles, it only targets civilians. The military regime no longer thinks about anything,” said a human rights activist in Arakan State.

Fighting has been raging in Arakan State for nearly six months, since renewed fighting began on November 13.