Residents of western Myanmar’s Rakhine State are urging the Arakan Army (AA) to ramp up its mine clearance operations this week as landmine-related injuries and deaths continue to rise in towns and villages across the region.
A resident of Gwa Township said retreating junta troops planted landmines in military camps, forests, and mountain paths as they lost control of territory, leaving civilians foraging for food and firewood at risk of deadly blasts.
“People go into the forests and mountains to gather food, firewood, or graze their livestock. Unfortunately, they sometimes step on landmines, causing explosions,” the Gwa resident told Myanmar Now, requesting anonymity. “The AA needs to improve their efforts in clearing these mines.”
Since the 2021 coup, the AA has taken control of 14 out of 17 of the townships in Rakhine State. The powerful ethnic armed organisation (EAO) is working to establish its own administrative system across Rakhine, and has put the military on the backfoot repeatedly over the last year.
Despite the military gains, the landmines left behind by the junta are an ongoing and significant problem for Rakhine residents, sources say.
In late March and early April, landmines severed the legs of three men foraging for food in Rakhine State. On April 3, Htun Hla, 30, lost his leg near Kyeintali Town; on March 30, Zaw Win Aung, 47, was maimed near Sar Chet village; and a Taungup resident suffered a similar injury on March 31.
“The main problem is that impoverished people depend on the forest to gather food and firewood for their survival,” said another source who has been assisting landmine victims.
“As they are the ones most affected by landmines and already live in poverty, they can’t afford the medical care they need. It’s a serious challenge for them, and there are many unmet needs.”
Khaing Thukha, the AA spokesperson, stated that mine clearance operations are ongoing in most of the territories they control. He added that the AA is also implementing educational efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
At the same time, Khaing Thukha mentioned that the AA still lacks the necessary equipment for mine clearance, and he appealed for support from international groups who specialise in clearing landmines.
“The primary challenge in mine clearance is the lack of necessary equipment,” he said. “If neighboring countries and international organisations could provide these resources, we would be able to accelerate the mine clearance efforts.”
Khaing Thukha also highlighted the urgent need for prosthetic limbs, adding that demand has increased as the numbers of those who have lost their arms or legs continues to rise.
“We are doing our best to provide emotional support to those who have lost limbs and assist in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,” Khaing Thukha said. “However, there are still many other critical needs that must be addressed.”
Since the Arakan Army (AA) began its offensive in Rakhine State on November 13, 2023, landmine and unexploded ordnance blasts have killed 51 people and injured 165 others, according to civil society groups.Tensions are escalating near the remaining junta-held areas of Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, both townships still under junta control. However, the AA is expanding into Magway, Ayeyarwady, and Bago regions, recently taking control of the strategic Nyaung Kyoe hill camp in Bago’s Padaung Township.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, killing over 3,500 people and worsening humanitarian conditions. While both the junta and opposition forces announced temporary ceasefires for relief, clashes continue, with each side accusing the other of launching attacks.
