AA clears landmines in Buthidaung, Maungdaw

By Admin 17 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

17 September 2025, Buthidaung

Landmine clearance is reportedly underway in Arakan State's Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, which are controlled by the Arakan Army (AA).

Villagers said AA members conducted landmine clearance around a public school in Thayetpyin (New Village) in Buthidaung Township on September 10 and 13.

Arakan Army members were able to clear landmines, including five anti-personnel mines and five landmines.

Locals in Thayetpyin Village say there are concerns about landmines placed in the monastery when junta soldiers were stationed there.

"Some landmines were found at the village monastery. The village monastery was a stationing point for junta soldiers, so people had to be careful when walking around. Arakan Army officials put up signs and gave educational talks about the dangers of landmines," said a local man.

Arakan Army members were reported to have cleared 125 landmines along the road near Thittaw Village and 4th-Mile Village in Maungdaw Township on September 5 and 6.

Although the Arakan Army continues to clear landmines in townships it controls, locals say they remain concerned.

A local woman in Maungdaw said, "Usually, the grassroots depend on the mountains for food. After the fighting, the locals don't dare to go to the mountains to find food or firewood because they are afraid of landmines. The locals are already struggling and are afraid of landmines, so they are no longer able to work and earn a living."

In Arakan State, some locals are suffering from food shortages due to job shortages and rising prices.

At the grassroots level, many rely on the forests and mountains to make a living collecting firewood, bamboo or other saleable materials.

Humanitarian organisations say that although the Arakan Army has been clearing landmines, putting up warning signs and holding awareness events about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs), it is not doing enough on the ground.

"The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army is raising awareness about the dangers of landmines, but I think it is not enough for the locals," said a man working for a community organisation in Arakan State. "It would be better if the Arakan Army could focus on clearing landmines in towns and villages where junta troops were stationed and in the areas of conflict. And if they could warn children with warnings they can understand, this risk can be reduced."

According to a DMG tally, 21 civilians were killed and 69 injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war in the eight months from January through August of this year in townships held by the Arakan Army.