At least six philanthropists killed in junta attacks in Arakan State

By Admin 24 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

24 December 2025, Mrauk-U

At least six humanitarian workers providing emergency assistance during the latest fighting in Arakan State have been killed in airstrikes and artillery attacks carried out by Myanmar’s military regime.

An airstrike by the regime on Mrauk-U Hospital on December 10 killed four members of the Mrauk-U Youths Association (MUYA), which was assisting emergency patients at the hospital.

The deceased were identified as U Tun Tun Win, 48; Ko Min Soe Aung, 22; Ko Kyaw Htoo Zaw, 22; and Maung Myo Min Tun, 15.

On October 31, the military regime also carried out an airstrike on Pannilar Village in Ponnagyun Township, killing 23-year-old Ma Phyo Phyo, a member of the Arakan Patriotic Youth Foundation.

Ma Phyo Phyo was a displaced person from Kyar Ma Thauk Village in Sittwe Township and worked underground as a social worker with the foundation.

Earlier, on October 26, 14-year-old Maung Htay Aung Hein from the Ponnagyun-based Pure Heart Foundation was killed by heavy weapons fired by the military regime while transporting an emergency patient to Kuntaung Village in Ponnagyun Township.

“These days, very few young people are willing to work with charities and help those in need. At a time when we are carrying out our responsibilities to support people through difficult times, losing these young people feels like losing an arm,” said an official from the foundation.

Maung Htay Aung Hein was the youngest philanthropist in Arakan State and had been working with the foundation since the age of nine.

Humanitarian workers in Arakan State continue to risk their lives to provide relief amid aerial bombardment, landmines, and unexploded remnants of war.

Philanthropists say they face serious challenges, including threats to their lives, a lack of funding, and dwindling donor support.

“Charity and civil society organizations on the ground are facing severe financial difficulties. Emergency rescuers are trying to reach areas hit by airstrikes as quickly as possible, but operating near conflict zones puts their lives at constant risk,” the foundation official added.

Social aid organizations are providing round-the-clock assistance to residents across Arakan State, including displaced people, through health care, education support, accident response, and emergency life-saving operations.

Ongoing fighting has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. Local and international donors and humanitarian workers are attempting to meet the growing health and livelihood needs of displaced communities.

Ponnagyun Youths Association (PYA) Chairman Ko Pyae Phyo Naing said assistance is being provided as widely as possible despite limited resources.

“We are providing as much assistance as we can. The United League of Arakan also supports displaced people, but resources are limited. As fighting has spread across Arakan State, we are extending assistance to other townships whenever possible,” he said.

Officials from social assistance organizations said they continue to face difficulties due to insufficient funds, a shortage of donors, and the growing number of displaced people. Social workers are also calling for protective equipment and safer routes for humanitarian operations.