Landmines Endanger Civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
CISR
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(Radio Free Asia) In western Myanmar’s Rakhine state, landmines and unexploded ordnance pose a significant threat to residents due to intense fighting between junta troops and ethnic minority rebels. Since April, 11 civilians have died, and 31 have been injured by landmines. The junta has been planting these mines near their outposts for protection, but many troops have abandoned these sites following attacks by the Arakan Army (AA).
This has left the landmines as a dangerous legacy for local communities. Zaw Zaw Tun, director of the Action for Community Resilience Organization, highlights that landmine threats are increasingly affecting daily life. The AA, having made significant gains against the military junta since 2021, issued a warning against traveling near towns, roads, bridges, and junta outposts. Despite warnings, residents often have no choice but to enter forest areas to sustain their livelihoods, where landmines pose a severe risk.
