From 1 to 30 April, the total number of civilian casualties reached 85, in Arakan State where fighting was intensifying between the military council and the Arakan Army (AA), according to the figures.
The junta’s airstrikes and shelling reportedly killed 16 civilians and wounded 69 others.
Those killed in the incident are: three from Minbya, four from Myebon, two from Ann, two from Kyauktaw and one each from Maungdaw, Pauktaw, Kyaukphyu, Thandwe and Ramree.
The wounded are: 17 from Minbya, three from Myebon, 24 from Ann, five from Kyauktaw, three from Maungdaw, nine from Pauktaw, two from Kyaukphyu, three from Thandwe, one from Ramree and two from Sittwe.
(The number of casualties reported here is only the latest available figure and may be much higher on the ground.)
The civilian casualties are on the rise as the military council is carrying out airstrikes and shelling in many townships of Arakan State including the AA-controlled townships.
On 30 April, the military council’s aerial bombardment in AA-controlled Minbya wounded at least 10 civilians.
An Arakanese politician said: “The junta’s indiscriminate airstrikes and shelling resulted in many civilian casualties as the junta can’t compete with the AA in ground battles. The international community needs to put pressure on the military council. Otherwise, the people will suffer huge losses.”
On 4 April 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Council urged its members to stop selling aviation fuel to the military council, which heavily relies on airstrikes that can massacre many lives in one place.
Among those killed and wounded by the military council’s attacks are children, the elderly and breadwinners. They are facing challenges for the survival of their families.
“Due to the military council’s attacks, innocent children and civilians were killed and wounded. Many breadwinners were among those killed in the attacks. It has a huge impact on the livelihood of their families,” said a social activist from Arakan State.
International humanitarian law stipulates that civilians will not be harmed during armed conflict, religious buildings and communities must be protected, arrests of civilians who are not directly involved in the war must be avoided and safety must be provided to civilians.
According to the figures from the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) under the ULA/AA, 179 civilians were killed and 486 wounded during the period from 13 November 2023 to 21 March 2024.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)