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, identified as Daw San Win May, age 42, from Thyapyi Nyo Ward in Mrauk-U, lost her left leg below the knee in the incident.
According to a local resident from 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 Latha Ward, stepped on 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 knee.
Recently, there has been a significant increase in landmine incidents across Rakhine State, particularly in Thandwe, Mrauk-U, and Maungdaw Townships, resulting in civilian casualties and severe injuries. The landmines were reportedly planted by the military council forces in various locations including mountainous areas, buildings within towns, schools, and monasteries where they had previously established positions. These unexploded ordnance continue to pose severe risks to civilian populations going about their daily activities.
Despite efforts by the Arakan Army (AA) to conduct mine risk education sessions and issue safety warnings regarding unexploded military ordnance, the number of casualties has been increasing compared to previous periods. Local residents have emphasized the need for the Arakan Army to intensify their demining operations and mine awareness education programs. The situation highlights the ongoing dangers faced by civilians in areas previously occupied by military forces and the urgent need for comprehensive mine clearance operations to ensure public safety.
