According to data, between 1 and 10 February, seven civilians were killed and 25 others injured due to the junta’s airstrikes, as well as explosions from landmines and remnants of war.
Seventeen civilian casualties were reported in seven incidents involving explosions of landmines and remnants of war in Maungdaw, Gwa, and Taungup Townships.
Five airstrikes in Kyauktaw and Gwa Townships resulted in 12 civilian casualties. Additionally, three civilians were killed due to shootings by junta soldiers in Kyaukphyu Township.
Explosions of landmines and remnants of war have topped the list of civilian casualties, followed by airstrikes.
“Many lives will be lost due to explosions from landmines, remnants of war, and airstrikes, even after the war ends in Arakan State. Locals have very little knowledge about remnants of war, and some even play with them. These issues could be reduced if the Arakan People’s Government addresses them in cooperation with CSOs and local communities,” said a social woman activist from MraukU.
Between 29 January and 6 February this year, there were four explosions of landmines and remnants of war in Gonenar (Muslim) village in Shwe Zar village-tract in Maungdaw Township, killing two and injuring eight others.
The people displaced by the ongoing fighting are concerned and afraid to return to their homes due to the dangers posed by landmines and remnants of war in the village.
Ma Htay Htay Myint, a local from Maungdaw, said, “Next month, I plan to return home. But as I keep hearing about the explosions of landmines, even if we return to Maungdaw, I won’t dare to go anywhere because I’m worried about where the mines are.”
On the other hand, as the military council continues conducting airstrikes targeting towns and villages where civilians live, locals are deeply concerned about the threats posed by both landmines and airstrikes.
A local woman from Gwa stated, “The main reason is that the military council is bombing everywhere because it’s under AA control. The junta’s aerial strikes are aimed only at civilian areas. When civilians are affected, they spread propaganda, claiming that they are bombing these areas because the AA is present. To them, the lives of the people are not worth more than those of chickens and birds.”
Between 1 January and 10 February 2025, the junta’s airstrikes killed and injured 158 civilians in Arakan State, according to the data.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
