Regime detains several Maungdaw residents trapped by fighting

By Admin 18 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
18 July 2024, Maungdaw

Myanmar’s military regime reportedly detained 11 residents, including a ward administrator, who were trapped by fighting in downtown Maungdaw, Arakan State, on July 16.

Some 50 junta soldiers and police raided Maungdaw’s Myoma Ward and abducted the 10 men and one minor at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, a source said.

“Junta soldiers and police entered the neighbourhood, broke into some homes and looted valuable things. They also abducted 11 strandees,” the source told DMG.

U Nyo Tun, 60, the administrator of Myoma Ward, was among the 11 detainees, along with a clerk from the Settlements and Land Records Department and 16-year-old Ko Aung Min Paing.

It is not yet known where the junta soldiers took them.

The regime soldiers also reportedly abducted several Hindus from Shwezar Village, on the outskirts of Maungdaw, on July 16.

“About 10 Hindus were reportedly taken by junta soldiers and Muslim militiamen. We are not able to contact the detainees,” said a Maungdaw resident.

DMG continues to investigate the details surrounding the abductions last month.

The regime also detained eight residents from Maungdaw’s Wimala Ward on June 12 and June 27, and their families have not been able to contact the detainees.

Fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) is escalating as the ethnic armed group is currently attempting to take control of Maungdaw.