AA accuses some of spreading false news during Maungdaw battle

By Admin 19 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
19 August 2024, Maungdaw

The Arakkha Army (AA) released a statement on August 18 saying the battle for control of Maungdaw continues to be intense and accusing some in the international human rights community of writing false news and spreading misinformation.

Some have accused the AA of committing human rights violations, such as massacres of Muslims, deliberate firing of heavy weapons, and illegal extortion during the battle for control of Maungdaw.

The AA said that fake news and misinformation could affect the harmony between the two ethnic groups in Arakan State.

According to the AA, the main perpetrators of the riots, terrorist issues, and ethnic and religious conflicts that have occurred in Arakan State over the years are the successive juntas including the currently ruling State Administration Council (SAC).

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) have cooperated with the regime, the AA said.

The AA has reportedly evacuated thousands of Arakanese, Muslims and Hindus who were trapped by fighting between the military and AA forces in Maungdaw Town and nearby villages since August 7. Some local people remain trapped or detained by the regime.

Junta soldiers have reportedly taken positions atop buildings and at schools in Maungdaw’s Kanyintan Ward, and Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4, to defend against the AA assault.

“Junta soldiers have reportedly taken positions atop buildings in downtown Maungdaw. Fighting is reported in Maungdaw on a daily basis. We hear gunfire and junta jet fighters carry out airstrikes daily,” said a resident of Maungdaw.

The AA seized a junta camp in Maungni (Muslim) Village on August 4 and a military camp in Hawritulla Village and 3rd-Mile camp on August 6 and 9 respectively, the statement said.