August 13, 2024

Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on August 12, 2024, documenting severe abuses, including extrajudicial killings, against the Rohingya population in Rakhine State by armed groups. The report states that both Myanmar military forces and the Arakan Army (AA) have been involved in the killing and mistreatment of Rohingya civilians, including burning their homes.

The HRW report is based on eyewitness testimonies, satellite imagery, and medical records, which were meticulously reviewed and verified. It highlights the growing tension between the Rakhine and Rohingya communities, exacerbated by the military’s forced conscription of Rohingya into its ranks.

The Arakan Army (AA) has denied allegations of mistreatment or killings of Rohingya civilians, stating that they have not engaged in such actions. However, during the AA’s attempts to seize control of Maungdaw Township, over a thousand Rohingya fled across the Naf River to Bangladesh. Among these fleeing groups, approximately 200 were killed when their boats were reportedly struck by drone attacks.