Two civilians suffered severe injuries resulting in leg amputations after stepping on landmines in Mrauk-U and Maungdaw Townships of Rakhine State. On March 19 at approximately 3 PM, a woman was injured by a landmine while foraging for vegetables near the foot of Kyein Mountain in Mrauk-U. The victim has been identified as Daw San Win May, age 42, from Thapyay Nyo Ward in Mrauk-U, who lost her left leg below the ankle in the incident.
According to a local resident of Mrauk-U, Daw San Win May regularly went out to gather vegetables, but on that particular day, she deviated from her usual route and went to a different area where she encountered the landmine. Additionally, in Maungdaw Township, Abdul Haleik, age 44, from La Tha Ward, stepped on a landmine while fishing at Shwe Zar Creek around 1 PM on March 18. He also suffered an amputation of his left leg below the ankle.
Recently, there has been a concerning increase in landmine incidents across Rakhine State, particularly in Thandwe, Mrauk-U, and Maungdaw Townships, resulting in civilian casualties and severe injuries. These explosive devices were primarily left behind by the military council forces in various locations including mountainous areas, urban buildings, schools, and monasteries where they had previously established positions.
Despite efforts by the Arakan Army (AA) to conduct mine risk education sessions and issue safety warnings regarding unexploded ordnance, the number of casualties has continued to rise compared to previous periods. Local residents have emphasized the need for the Arakan Army to intensify their demining operations and mine risk education programs to prevent further casualties. The situation highlights the ongoing dangers faced by civilians in areas where the military council has left behind explosive devices, demonstrating the urgent need for comprehensive mine clearance efforts and enhanced safety awareness programs in the region.
