Dozens of civilian casualties reported in latest Arakan State hostilities

By Admin 16 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
16 November 2023, Sittwe

Fifty-two civilian casualties were reported as regime battalions carried out indiscriminate shooting and shelling in response to Arakan Army (AA) attacks during the first three days of renewed hostilities in Arakan and Chin states.

Among the deaths were two each from the townships of Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U, four from Minbya Township and one from Ann Township.

Thirty-four people — 12 from Minbya, six from Ann, three each from Mrauk-U and Myebon, nine from Kyauktaw and one from Maungdaw — were injured during the three-day period.

Junta airstrikes and shellings killed at least four locals and injured five others in Paletwa, Chin State, and the number of casualties may be higher than that, according to locals.

Human rights activists say the junta’s firing on civilians amid hostilities with anti-regime forces amount to war crimes.

“Firing heavy weapons at the people by the junta troops without fighting amounts to a war crime. The international organisations should also urge the junta troops to stop heavy weapons firing so as not to harm the people,” said a human rights activist in Arakan State.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called on armed groups in Myanmar directly engaged in fighting not to target civilians.

Daily life has been impacted for many more than those on the casualties list.

“I can’t do my own work because of the heavy weapons. People can’t sleep because they are afraid. If there is fighting, the military opens heavy weapons into the residential areas,” said a local man from Apaukwa Village in Kyauktaw Township.

“Under humanitarian law, the civilian population in general is protected from dangers arising from military operations,” according to ICRC.  “However, some groups among the population, such as children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and displaced people, have specific needs and are entitled to special attention. Civilians can also expect, under humanitarian law, adequate care and respect.”

Civil society organisations in Arakan State have urged armed groups on both sides of the conflict to follow international law regarding the protection of civilians in war zones.

“Local people in Arakan State have suffered a lot due to Cyclone Mocha and armed conflicts. If armed groups attack each other, they should inform the people so that they are not harmed,” said a woman from a civil society organisation in Arakan State.

Fighting flared anew between the military and Arakan Army in Arakan State on November 13, shattering a nearly year-old ceasefire.