Collateral damage increases in war-torn Arakan State

04 Aug 2019

Soe Aung | DMG

4 August, Sittwe

The eight-month long hostilities between the Tatamadaw and the AA in Arakan State has been affecting Arakanese people daily, especially in northern Arakan State townships such as Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung and Buthidaung.

It is a very worrying time for local residents because the Tatmadaw and the AA have currently fought fiercely on a daily basis in northern Arakan State.

According to figures compiled by the Rakhine Ethnics Congress, 62 civilians were killed and 156 local residents were injured during armed conflicts in Arakan State between December last year and 25 July this year.

The figures include land mine victims and deaths of detainees during the Tatmadaw’s interrogations. Landmine explosion claimed 13 lives and injured 53 others.

On 2 August, a 14-year-old girl and a man in his 30s from Kyauktan village in Kyauktaw Township received serious injuries during gunfire from the Tatmadaw.

The girl received bullet wounds while she was hiding in her home. The man was hit by pieces of shrapnel while he was herding cattle outside his village. They are getting medical treatment at Sittwe hospital.

“The pieces of shrapnel hit his arms and legs. He is in critical condition,” said U Ba Aung, a relative of the victim.

Moreover, the Tatmadaw and the AA fought at a location between Kyauktan and Wet Hmaing villages. The hostility in the region has impacted people daily. They do not like the increase of military tension in the region.

“We want all in peace. We want them to find a solution peacefully,” U Ba Aung said.