Two Ann Twsp villagers severely injured in landmine blast

By DMG 11 Jul 2021

DMG Newsroom
10 July 2021, Ann

Two locals from Kyauksin village in Arakan State’s Ann Township were reportedly injured in a landmine explosion on Saturday and one victim’s leg was amputated, while the other may have lost his eyesight.

The two encountered the landmine while searching for cattle near a hill south of the village on July 10. They are said to be in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment at Kanhtaukgyi Hospital, according to a man assisting the injured men.

The landmine victims have been identified as Ko Lin Maung, 23, and Ko Soe Naing, 28.

“Lin Maung had his right leg amputated and Soe Naing is more likely to lose his eyesight. Many shrapnel [wounds] were left on Soe Naing’s arms and legs,” said U Hla Maung Thein, a resident of Kanhtaukgyi town who is assisting the victims.

The two men would be transferred to Sittwe General Hospital on July 11, depending on their injuries, U Hla Maung Thein added.

“Their condition is considered not life-threatening. The amputee had to be transfused with four bottles of blood and had to receive another transfusion. The other victim had to be given oxygen,” he said.

At least 49 people were killed and 79 others were injured in explosions of landmines and explosive remnants of war during the two years of fighting between the military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State, according to figures issued by the Rakhine Ethnics Congress (REC).

Many of the victims were children, the REC said.

The Myanmar military and the AA have sustained an informal ceasefire for more than eight months, but there continue to be frequent casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war in several Arakan State townships.