Military Council Lays Landmines Along Ayeyarwady-Rakhine Border Amid Gwe Town Conflict

Intensified Conflict in Gwe Town Leads to Landmine Deployment

December 19 – The escalating conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s military council in Gwe town has led to the widespread deployment of landmines along the Ayeyarwady-Rakhine border. Thousands of mines have reportedly been planted in border areas, including Ye Kyi, Hsin Thaing Chaung, Lay Myint, and Tharpaung townships in Ayeyarwady Division.

Local sources indicate that while revolutionary groups are aware of these landmine placements, many residents remain uninformed. People working in forests to gather wood and bamboo are at significant risk, raising concerns about civilian safety. “The revolutionary comrades know, but local people don’t. There are people cutting wood in the forest, and they don’t know about the mines. That’s worrying,” said a resident of Tharpaung.

Gwe town, located at the border of Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Division, has become a focal point of intensified conflict. In addition to landmine deployment, the military council has increased inspections in nearby townships within Ayeyarwady Division. Reports also suggest that authorities are pressuring local communities to deny refuge to people fleeing violence in Rakhine State.

The conflict has placed civilians in dangerous situations, with the landmines further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. As the battle in Gwe town continues to escalate, the safety of local populations and refugees remains a critical concern.

The ongoing conflict and the use of landmines highlight the urgent need for attention to the worsening conditions in the Ayeyarwady-Rakhine border areas.