Two civilians suffered severe injuries resulting in leg amputations due to landmine explosions in Mrauk-U and Maungdaw Townships of Rakhine State. On March 19 at approximately 3 PM, Daw San Win May, age 42, stepped on a landmine while foraging for vegetables near the foot of Kyein Mountain in Mrauk-U. The explosion resulted in the amputation of her left leg below the ankle. Daw San Win May, a resident of Thapyay Nyo Ward, is currently receiving emergency medical treatment.
In a separate incident, Abdul Haleik, age 44, from Latha Ward in Maungdaw Township, encountered a landmine while fishing at Shwe Zar Creek on March 18 at around 1 PM. He also suffered an amputation of his left leg below the ankle and is currently in critical condition receiving medical care. These landmine incidents have become increasingly frequent in Rakhine State’s Thandwe, Mrauk-U, and Maungdaw Townships, resulting in civilian casualties and severe injuries.
The military council had previously planted landmines in various locations including forested areas where they were stationed, buildings within towns, schools, and monasteries. Despite the Arakan Army (AA) conducting mine risk education sessions and issuing 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 increase their efforts in mine clearance operations and educational activities to prevent further casualties. The ongoing presence of these explosive devices continues to pose a severe threat to civilian safety in the region.
