Killing of two children in Rakhine a potential war crime, says Save the Children

The killing of two young children by artillery fire in Rakhine state on Thursday was a potential war crime and should be investigated, Save the Children has said.

The children, both seven-years-old, were among five who died on Tuesday when shells exploded at Nyaung Kan village in Myebon township. Villagers said Tatmadaw soldiers fired the shells from a base in neighbouring Ann township. 

There was no fighting with the Arakan Army (AA) in the area at the time, the villagers said.

Asked if the shelling was a possible war crime, Save the Children spokesperson Bhanu Bhatnagar told Myanmar Now: “Yes, we work with partners and colleagues at the UN to ensure these crimes don’t get forgotten, and lobby for independent investigations wherever possible.” 

“We will do so with this incident as well,” he added.  

“The senseless deaths of at least two young children and two adults in Rakhine State has left Save the Children deeply sad and frustrated,” the group said in a statement, citing earlier figures on the death toll. 

At least 289 civilians have died and 641 have been injured since fighting between the AA and the Tatmadaw broke out in 2018, according to a tally by Radio Free Asia.

“Many children are among these victims, and the actual number of casualties is likely to be higher due to limited monitoring and reporting in the conflict-affected areas,” the Save the Children statement said. 

General Zaw Min Htun from the Tatmadaw True News Team did not answer calls seeking comment on Thursday.