Rathedaung man loses leg in landmine explosion

By Admin 03 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
3 January 2024, Rathedaung

A young man from Ashaemrauk Ywathit Ward in Rathedaung, Arakan State, was severely injured on Wednesday morning in a landmine explosion and lost one of his legs, according to local residents.

Ko Maung Hsan Win, the 23-year-old man, stepped on a landmine in front of the military’s Rathedaung-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 537 while scavenging for fish together with four others.

“He stepped on a landmine while searching for fish due to livelihood hardships. He was severely injured in the landmine blast and his condition is considered life-threatening,” said a local resident in Rathedaung.

Ko Maung Hsan Win has reportedly been admitted to Rathedaung Hospital for medical treatment.

U Ba Tin Win, 56, a local man from Ashaemrauk Ward, lost his left leg after he stepped on a landmine at about 2 p.m. on January 1 while herding his cattle in a farm near a security checkpoint in Rathedaung.

Civilian casualties from landmine blasts have been on the rise since renewed fighting in Arakan State began on November 13. Eight people were injured in landmine explosions since hostilities were renewed between the military and AA.

“Junta soldiers plant landmines in both urban and rural areas. We want the junta soldiers to avoid planting landmines in urban areas,” said another Rathedaung resident.

As the AA is attempting to seize junta bases and military camps in urban areas, regime troops may have planted landmines near their battalions and police stations, locals said.