Approximately 6,892 homes were destroyed by fire due to actions of the military junta and its allies in 16 townships of Arakan State and Paletwa Township of Chin State during more than a year of conflict from November 2023 to 22 January 2025, according to collected data.
The destruction of thousands of houses was caused by junta’s attacks using aircraft, artillery, drones, and deliberate arson by the junta and its allies.
“When the fighting was about to start in town, we fled to another place as displaced people. When we returned, our house was gone. We feel devastated that they destroyed the house we built with savings over many years,” said Daw Oo May Thein, a local Arakan resident whose house was burned down.
Among the destroyed houses, Buthidaung had the highest number with 3,308 houses, followed by Pauktaw with 1,162, Ramree with 682, and Maungdaw with 366 houses, according to the data.
Locals whose homes were destroyed face numerous challenges in rebuilding their lives due to job scarcity, extremely high commodity prices, and difficulties meeting basic living needs.
While the Arakha Army (AA) and social aid groups have provided some financial support, construction materials, and temporary shelters to affected residents during the conflict period, locals say the assistance is insufficient.
“I had just finished building my house on my own not long ago. Now the military (junta army) has destroyed everything, including all the belongings inside. In this situation, it’s impossible to rebuild a house,” said a local woman from Buthidaung.
Currently, civilian areas continue to suffer increasing damage to houses and buildings due to ongoing junta attacks using aircraft and artillery.
On 21 January, eight houses in War Bo village in Sittwe Township were destroyed by junta’s drone strikes, and on 8 January, 398 houses were destroyed when fighter jets bombed Kyauk Ni Maw village.
“The destruction of these homes is a completely unacceptable war crime. The military council claims to target military targets but they also attack civilian areas indiscriminately,” said a social worker from Ponnagyun Township.
International humanitarian law prohibits targeting civilian buildings, religious buildings, schools, and medical facilities not related to conflict.
Currently, the AA controls 15 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State after more than a year of fighting, and is administering and working on reconstruction in these areas.
However, the military junta continues frequent airstrikes on AA-controlled areas, resulting in monthly increases in civilian casualties and destruction of residential buildings.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).
