August 14, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the recent killings of Rohingya refugees in Rakhine State, Myanmar, in a statement released on August 13, 2024. The statement followed reports that around 200 Rohingya had been killed while attempting to cross the Naf River to escape the conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Maungdaw.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the Rohingya were targeted by drone strikes and bombings during their escape, though the AA has denied responsibility for the attack.

“We condemn the brutal attack on innocent civilians who were trying to escape violence,” said Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR. “We call on both the Myanmar government and opposition forces to ensure the protection of Rohingya Muslims from violence and persecution, and we urge the international community to provide them with the necessary protection.”

The ongoing conflict in Rakhine State has further escalated tensions between the Rakhine ethnic group and the Rohingya Muslim minority, exacerbated by the forced conscription of Rohingya into military service, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW).