Thandwe Twsp IDPs seek safety amid attacks from above

26 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
26 December 2024, Thandwe

Internally displaced people (IDPs) are moving from one location to another without a stable place to take refuge due to airstrikes by Myanmar's military regime in ThandweTownship, Arakan State.

IDPs from Jeittaw, Ngapali, Myapyin, Zeephyugon and Lintha villages moved to Thandwe Town after the Arakkha Army (AA) seized control of the district-level town in late June.

The regime continues to carry out airstrikes on Thandwe, forcing displaced people to relocate further due to insecurity.

"There are IDPs who have rented houses in downtown Thandwe, and some who live in friends' houses. The military regime has been bombing Thandwe frequently, so they have moved to other places. There are also those who have returned from Thandwe," said a local man in Thandwe.

IDPs have not yet been allowed to return home and are temporarily sheltering in Thandwe, while most Thandwe residents have been fleeing the area since April.

The military regime is currently conducting frequent aerial bombardments of Thandwe and nearby villages, causing civilian casualties.

"IDPs dare not live in Thandwe due to the regime's airstrikes. They feel insecure in Thandwe. IDPs are moving from one location to another without a stable place to take shelter," said a local woman.

One civilian was killed and six others were reportedly injured in a junta aerial assault on Thandwe on Monday evening, and three elderly people were reportedly injured in a similar air attack on Thandwe on December 19.

"The regime has conducted airstrikes on Thandwe three times in recent days. The regime dropped bombs on residential areas," said Ko Sai Myo Thant, a local man in Thandwe.

About 81 civilian casualties have been reported in Thandwe Township due to junta airstrikes since September, according to a DMG tally.