July 22, 2024
Seven internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in the Gandari IDP camp in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, were killed by military forces, according to a statement released yesterday by the Arakan Army (AA).
The victims, all from the Khami ethnic group, were killed on July 18 by armed Muslims trained by the Myanmar military while searching for bamboo shoots in the forest. The AA reported that the bodies of three victims—U U Htun, U Kyaw Hla, and U Maung Htun—were discovered with gunshot wounds near Laepa Shay (also known as Maw Ni Ko) village on July 19.
Further search efforts on July 20 led to the discovery of the remaining four bodies—U Aung Gyi, U Maung Maung, U Htun Naing Oo, and U Kyaw Htun Oo. Their bodies, found near the same village, bore knife wounds, according to the AA’s statement.
The AA has vowed to find and take appropriate action against the perpetrators. They have also stated that they will respond to the Myanmar military and its armed groups trained by the military.
The AA has controlled Buthidaung Township since May 18, during which numerous homes in the township were reportedly burned and destroyed in the ongoing conflict.
Local residents have expressed fear and anger over the continuous violence, calling for justice and an end to the brutalities inflicted by the military forces. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further confrontations.
