By Jar Seng / MPA
The Arakan Army (AA) has intensified demining operations and mine risk education campaigns in its controlled areas of Rakhine State, aiming to enhance civilian safety and mobility.
The number of civilians suffering injuries and amputations due to landmines from past conflicts in Rakhine State continues to rise.
In response, the Arakan Army (AA) has intensified mine risk education campaigns since early January 2025 to raise awareness among civilians.
A resident of Toungup Township noted, “In our township, the AA has been actively installing landmine warning signs, conducting mine risk education sessions, and organizing awareness talks.”
Similarly, a local from Rathedaung Township reported, “The AA carried out mine warning sign installations and awareness talks in our township on Feb.6.”
Beyond landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) also poses a significant threat. In a tragic incident in Maungdaw Township, a group of locals from Shwe Zar Gone Nar Village attempted to dismantle an unexploded bomb, which detonated around 10 a.m. on Monday. The explosion killed one person and injured four others.
A witness from Maungdaw described the scene, “They were trying to dismantle a bomb at a tea shop when it exploded. Since their friends were nearby, several people were injured.”
Currently, the AA is implementing mine risk education programs and installing warning signs across its controlled territories, including Paletwa in Chin State and multiple townships in Rakhine State such as Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Ann, Toungup, Ramree, Thandwe, and Gwa.
However, locals believe these efforts should be complemented with expanded mine clearance operations.
A resident of Kyauktaw Township emphasized the need for more demining efforts, “The AA has been conducting mine risk education sessions in almost every township, which is a positive step. But civilians—especially those who depend on forests and mountains for their livelihoods, and children—continue to fall victim. We hope the AA will increase demining operations.”
According to aid workers assisting displaced persons, at least 10 people, including children, have died due to landmine explosions between January and Fe.11, 2025.
In addition to landmine-related casualties, airstrikes and artillery shelling by the junta have left many civilians with amputations and psychological trauma, exacerbated by a lack of job opportunities.
Aid groups report that between Nov.12, 2024, and February 2025, over 800 civilians were killed and more than 1,665 injured due to junta airstrikes, artillery shelling, and landmine explosions in Rakhine State.
Editor – Ko San
Translator – Z
