Risks Posed by Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War in Arakan: Long-Term Impacts and Protection Challenges

English | Myanmar

Introduction

(a) Main Focus

Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) in Arakan: Civilian Harm, Livelihood Impacts, and Mine-Clearance Responses

(b) Geographic Scope

All 17 townships in Arakan (Rakhine State)

(c) Study Period

From January 2024 to August 2026

Following the renewed escalation of fighting in Arakan (Rakhine State) in November 2023, armed conflict expanded across many townships, while the risks posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) became an increasingly significant challenge to civilian safety. In particular, incidents involving landmines and ERW have continued to cause civilian deaths, loss of limbs, and serious injuries in former conflict areas, around former military positions, along coastal areas, in forests and mountainous areas, and on agricultural land. Children have also been among those affected.

The risks posed by landmines and ERW extend beyond casualties and injuries, affecting the daily livelihoods and mobility of local communities. Many incidents have occurred while civilians were collecting firewood, bamboo, and vegetables; fishing; grazing livestock; or working on farms, plantations, and gardens. As a result, landmine contamination has become not only a civilian protection concern but also a longer-term challenge affecting the resumption of livelihoods and the safe return and resettlement of displaced communities.

In areas under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), measures such as the installation of mine-risk warning signs and the provision of landmine risk awareness activities have been reported. However, civilian casualties continue to occur due to the continued presence of landmines and ERW. Survivors also face ongoing needs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and livelihood assistance.

This study provides an overview of reported landmine- and ERW-related incidents in Rakhine State between 2024 and 2026. It examines civilian casualties, patterns of incidents, impacts on livelihoods and children, mine-clearance responses, and the longer-term challenges faced by survivors. The study draws on reports from local and international media, as well as information published by UNICEF. The incidents presented below are not intended to constitute a comprehensive record of all landmine- and ERW-related incidents in Rakhine State; rather, they represent selected relevant cases identified for this study.

Summary of Findings

January 2024

Increase in Civilian Casualties from Landmines During the Rakhine Conflict (DMG)

Between 13 November 2023 and 12 January 2024, one civilian was killed, and 10 others were injured by landmines in Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Ann, Rathedaung, and Maungdaw townships. The incidents occurred mainly around military junta bases and police stations, and the risk posed by landmines to civilians’ daily movement and livelihood activities has increased alongside the conflict.

February 2024

Civilian Loses Arm and Leg After Stepping on a Landmine in Myebon Township (Narinjara)

On 23 February 2024, a 50-year-old man from Ngapyaw Chaung Village in Myebon Township stepped on a landmine while searching for buffalo fodder, resulting in the loss of his right leg and right arm, as well as injuries to his left leg and chin. The report stated that military junta troops had previously been stationed near the location where the incident occurred.

March 2024

Five Civilians Injured by Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War in Minbya, Myebon, and Kyaukphyu (DMG & Narinjara)

On 11 March, two men from Yar Hmu Ward and Min Tat Taung Village in Kyaukphyu each lost their left leg, after stepping on landmines. On 13 March, a woman from Kyar Ye Pyin Village in Minbya Township lost her left leg after stepping on a landmine while collecting firewood, while a man from Kan Thar Htwet Wa Ward in Myebon ... Read More

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