Two female inmates killed in artillery strike on Thandwe Prison

By Admin 13 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 July 2024, Thandwe

Dozens of inmates were reportedly released from Thandwe Prison in Arakan State after two female prisoners were killed in an artillery strike on the prison, where junta troops are stationed.

The regime released around 50 inmates who were prosecuted on suspicion of illegal ties to anti-junta forces and various charges after an artillery shell hit a hostel for female inmates at Thandwe Prison on the evening of July 12.

“About 50 inmates who were charged on suspicion of having ties to the anti-regime forces and theft were reportedly released from Thandwe Prison,” said a source. “Inmates who were charged on suspicion of having links with the Arakkha Army (AA) were not among those released.”

There are hundreds of inmates at Thandwe Prison, including political prisoners, who have been imprisoned under various other charges, according to sources close to the prison.

“My younger brother, who was arrested on suspicion of having ties to an anti-regime force, was reportedly freed from Thandwe Prison yesterday. I am very happy about his release,” said a family member of one of those released.

Some prison staff employees have reportedly fled Thandwe Prison and DMG continues to investigate the current situation in the prison.

Junta soldiers have taken positions at Thandwe Prison and atop buildings in Thandwe to deter the AA from attacking the district-level town, local residents said.

The AA seized the military’s Ngapali-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 566 on June 27, Thandwe Airport on July 5, and Light Infantry Battalion No. 55 on July 9. The Arakanese ethnic armed group issued a statement on July 11 saying junta soldiers remain in and around Thandwe and that the AA will continue its offensive to capture the entire town.