Nearly 1,400 civilian casualties in Arakan since onset of latest fighting

By Admin 14 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
14 September 2024, Sittwe

It has been 10 months since the military clashed with the Arakkha Army (AA) anew in Arakan State on November 13, 2023.

At least 494 civilians were killed and 886 others were injured by junta airstrikes, artillery attacks, gunfire and landmine blasts during the latest fighting in Arakan State, according to a DMG tally.

Many of the victims have been women and children. Regime airstrikes and artillery attacks killed 73 children and injured 186. Meanwhile, 127 women were killed and 315 women were wounded in those attacks.

“There are laws around the world to fully protect children. The regime doesn’t care about it and does what it wants. Children are those who have nothing to do with politics or the military. Children are dying because of the regime’s reckless actions,” said the parent of a child in Kyauktaw Township.

Children’s rights advocates say the most vulnerable are being deprived of their basic human rights such as mental and physical security, and in the worst of cases the right to life.

“The regime is committing crimes against humanity. The regime’s crimes against humanity need to be stopped internationally. Now, the children are worried and afraid due to the junta airstrikes. Women are also being killed. This is a huge loss of human resources,” said a women’s rights activist.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance issued a statement on September 10 saying these actions constitute war crimes committed by the military regime, and that records of the junta’s conduct would be sent to neighbouring countries and international organisations.

The alliance offered its condolences to the families and relatives of those killed and injured in the regime’s airstrikes, and urged the public to be especially aware of the threat of attacks from military aircraft.

Critics of the regime say its indiscriminate attacks on military and civilian targets will foment greater public hatred and only strengthen the revolution against its rule.

“Now the regime can no longer do propaganda and organise the people. The people are already aware of the regime’s actions. Therefore, the idea that the regime will fall and there will be peace is getting stronger,” said a social activist in Arakan State.

The AA has so far seized 10 towns in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State, and continues to launch attacks on Maungdaw, Taungup, Gwa, Sittwe, Ann and Kyaukphyu, which the ethnic armed group has set its sights on as it aims for full control of Arakan State.