Civilian casualties rise in Thandwe, one of latest fronts in battle for Arakan 

By Admin 20 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 May 2024, Thandwe

It has been more than one month since the military clashed with the Arakkha Army (AA) in Thandwe Township, southern Arakan State, and fierce fighting between the two sides is ongoing. Civilian casualties continue to rise due to junta attacks on residential areas in the township.

At least 20 civilians were killed and five others were injured by junta shellings and airstrikes in Thandwe Township from April 13 to May 19, according to a DMG tally. The casualty count is more likely than not higher on the ground.

A junta air assault on Thandwe Township’s Nattaungmaw Village on May 18 killed nine residents. “We will never forget that day,” said a local woman in Nattaungmaw Village.

While an often-intense conflict plays out between the armed adversaries in Thandwe Township, the regime has also targeted civilian villages to devastating effect, prompting accusations of war crimes.

Ten people were killed in a junta artillery strike on Linthi Village, Thandwe Township, on the night of May 14.

“The regime’s targeted attacks on villages resulted in mass deaths. The junta attacks on Nattaungmaw and Linthi villages are frightening,” said a resident of Thandwe.

Fighting between the military and AA was escalating near Linthi, Yaysin and Shwehlay villages on May 20, with the regime calling in airstrikes and firing heavy weapons, according to local people.

At least 600 civilian casualties have been reported due to junta attacks during the latest fighting in Arakan State, which began with an AA offensive launched in mid-November.