June 16, 2024

Over 3,000 civilians have been displaced and are in urgent need of medical supplies and food due to ongoing clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State.

Displaced persons from Shwe Lahtet, Gaung villages, and Sin Gyaung village, which suffered airstrikes, are among those in need. The road blockades have exacerbated the shortage of medical supplies.

On the evening of June 2, fighting broke out between the military and the AA near Gaw village close to Ngapali Beach, forcing local residents to seek refuge in nearby monasteries.

“We are living as best as we can. But we are in urgent need of medicines and food. The road closures make it very difficult,” a displaced person told New Day Myanmar.

On June 4, the military launched an attack on Sin Gyaung village using artillery, drones, and jet fighters, resulting in the death of 14 civilians and injuring 24, according to an AA statement on June 10.

Since April 22, clashes between the military and the AA have been ongoing in Thandwe Township, with airstrikes and artillery shelling leading to the deaths of 23 civilians and injuring more than five throughout May, according to local reports.

Currently, more than 1,800 people are taking refuge in 17 displacement camps, with another 1,600 staying with relatives, bringing the total number of displaced persons to over 3,000.

These displaced persons are in desperate need of emergency medical and food aid as they face severe shortages due to the conflict and road blockades.