Monthly Report | June 2024

Humanitarian Aid Blocked and Destroyed in Arakan Amidst Rising Conflict

Monitoring of a brief situation of political tension, economic issues, social issues, and humanitarian issues in Arakan in June 2024.

About report

This report is part of the CAS's monthly series, which delves into four key areas of the state of Arakan. The first section addresses political concerns, including the armed revolution, junta activities, and issues of political freedom. The second examines the state's economic climate, focusing on rising prices, declining demand, foreign direct investment, and border trade. The third and fourth sections cover social and humanitarian issues, respectively; these include education, health, migration, and the internally displaced persons (IDP) population.

Key data in the report are sourced from local media outlets, such as DMG, Western News, among others. The aim of this report is to shed new light on the situation for observers endeavoring to comprehend the dynamics at play in the region.

Key Remarks

- The Arakan Army (AA) increased its offensives in three key townships: Maungdaw, Ann, and Thandwe, during June 2024. The junta forces continued to suffer more in these military zones. Important news also included the AA chief's words toward the NUG, advising them "not to interfere in Arakan politics more than necessary," and a subsequent clash of opinions over the Rohingya issue in Buthidaung.

- While local civilian populations were suffering from the blockade of all trade, transportation, and travel activities, three key economic news items dominated the field. Merchants in Arakan faced huge difficulties due to the road blockade by the local Lai (Chin) association in Mizoram, affecting local trade between Paletwa and Mizoram. Additionally, a group of Chinese technicians visited the site of Kyaukphyu to study the feasibility of project implementation. Finally, all hotels in the famous Ngapali beach area were closed due to spreading armed clashes

- The number of IDPs was increasing in Thandwe township, and local charity and CSO groups were struggling to help them. With increasing armed clashes in the area, the residents of Gwa were also reportedly panicking about their safety. Junta forces destroyed some bridges in Taungup township, imposing greater challenges for local transportation. In Sittway, the junta authorities ordered locals from nearby villages to move into the town.

- Civilian populations continue to face more challenges with the threat of starvation and food insecurity, especially in Taungup and Thandwe townships. In the case of Sittway, while local people were restricted from leaving their homes and town, the residents inside faced increasing socio-economic and security problems. Warehouses of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were reportedly looted and destroyed by junta authorities and allied forces in Maungdaw. Meanwhile, MSF (Doctors Without Borders) halted their medical operations in some northern townships of Arakan.

Table of Content

Part- I: Political Affairs

Part- II: Economic Situations

Part- III: Social Issues

Part- IV: Humanitarian Issues

Part- I: Political Affairs

The politics of Arakan in June were mainly dominated by military confrontations between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), the AA's seizure of SAC posts, civilian arrests by the SAC, arson and military attacks on civilian homes and properties, desertions within SAC ranks, and a press briefing by the ULA/AA.

To start with the AA-SAC armed clashes, on June 3, the Myanmar military and AA clashed near the popular beach town of Ngapali. Two days later, AA fighters advanced toward Thandwe's Ma Zin airport. On June 7, it was reported that Arakan experienced the most armed clashes during May. On June 13, news media mentioned that the AA was advancing its offensives in three more townships: Maungdaw, Ann, and Thandwe.

One week later, intense fighting erupted in Maungdaw, where AA fighters attacked the 5th border guard battalion. On June 20, the AA launched artillery attacks on Ann town airfield, Western Command. The next day, the AA intercepted a junta reinforcement column in Taungup, consisting of over 60 soldiers. On June 26, the battle for control of Thandwe and Maungdaw intensified.

Regarding the activities of the ULA/AA, on June 3, locals reported that the AA seized key BGF outposts in Maungdaw. Two days later, the AA took control of Thandwe’s Tha Htay hydropower project and surrounding areas. On the same day, the AA chief asked the NUG not to speak "more than is necessary" on the Arakan issue. On June 8, the 9th ULA Press-Briefing stated that at least 319 civilians were killed, and 8,500 buildings were destroyed in six months of Arakan conflicts.

Concerning the actions of the SAC, on June 1, it was reported that a former ANP youth leader, among four Arakanese men, was detained in Yangon. The next day, the ULA stated that the junta killed 53 people in Byine Phyu village under Sittwe township. On June 7, it was stated that the AA offensive in the death of over 400 junta soldiers in June. Six days later, the junta reinforced battalions in Taungup with Muslim conscripts. On June 17, it was reported that the military regime bombed villages in Taungup township near the Dynyawady navy base. On the same day, the junta stepped up bombing raids in Pauktaw township. Two days later, the junta bolstered defense in Gwa township.

Read More

download to PDF for read more