June 19, 2024
In Maungdaw, Rakhine State, heavy fighting has trapped thousands of civilians as the military junta and ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) are preventing residents from fleeing the town. The Arakan Army (AA) announced on June 16 that it intended to capture Maungdaw, urging residents to evacuate immediately. While many residents heeded the warning and left, around 2,000 civilians, mostly Rohingya, remain trapped due to restrictions imposed by the military junta and ARSA.
The majority of the Muslims, Rakhine, and Hindus managed to evacuate following AA’s announcement. However, the Rohingya community, which makes up the majority of the remaining 2,000 civilians, is being used as human shields by the military and ARSA. Attempts by some Rohingya to escape have been thwarted by junta checkpoints and ARSA’s threats of shooting or capturing those trying to flee.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed concerns on June 18 about a potential crisis akin to the 2017 events in Buthidaung and Maungdaw. Despite AA’s directive for civilians to evacuate, specific guidance on escape routes and safe destinations was lacking, according to NUG Deputy Minister of Human Rights U Aung Kyaw Moe.
The AA has issued warnings to civilians in other junta-controlled areas of Rakhine State to seek refuge in safe zones and liberated areas. Currently, only two military camps remain under junta control in Maungdaw.
The international community, including the UN, is closely monitoring the situation, urging all parties to ensure the safety and protection of civilians.
