Monthly Report | July 2024

Struggling to Survive: The Human Cost of Conflict and Natural Disasters in Arakan

Monitoring of a brief situation of political tension, economic issues, social issues, and humanitarian issues in Arakan in July 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 armed clashes in Arakan continued to increase, especially in Maungdaw town and Thandwe township. On the other hand, local residents in urban Sittwe faced a constant threat of arrest and violence from the junta authorities. Although the AA has captured the town of Buthidaung and besieged Maungdaw, observers are noting a surge in ARSA violence against civilians in these two townships.

- The farming community in Arakan is facing challenges related to various agricultural inputs such as fuel, fertilizer, rice seeds, machines, and labor. Various sources have reported a decline in agricultural plantation rates and outputs. The Central Youth Lai Association (CYLA) in Mizoram has continued to aggressively block exports of oil, medicines, and fertilizers into Arakan. Several Rakhine merchants have faced harassment and attacks from this organization, including the loss of their property.

- The IDP population has increased in the townships of Maungdaw, Thandwe, and Gwa, while the local population in AA-controlled areas faces a constant threat of airstrikes. Additionally, while the junta has relaxed restrictions on Rakhines traveling to Yangon, it has imposed strict restrictions on returns from Yangon and Mandalay. Flooding in many townships of Arakan has led to rising challenges for the socio-economic livelihood of the people.

- The humanitarian challenges in Arakan demand improved transborder assistance, especially from India and Bangladesh. Humanitarian organizations and workers also face significant barriers, such as lack of internet, phone communication, and banking systems for transferring money. The number of IDPs in Arakan has increased to nearly 600,000, but only 20 percent of them have received an adequate level of humanitarian assistance.

Table of Content

Part- I: Political Affairs

Part- II: Economic Situations

Part- III: Social Issues

Part- IV: Humanitarian Issues

Part- I: Political Affairs

During the first week of July, a landmine blast killed a villager in Gwa township on July 1. On the same day, the SAC fired artillery shells into nearby villages in Sittwe township due to suspicions of an AA advance. On July 2, the junta’s election commission rejected the registration of the Arakan National Party (ANP), and later that day, a junta airstrike on a Thandwe Township village injured five locals.

The following day, the junta charged 40 Sittwe residents with unlawful association, and the battle for control of Thandwe continued to intensify. As of July 5, the AA ramped up attacks on military outposts in Ann Township. Additionally, a Buddhist monk and two IDPs were injured in a junta airstrike on a village monastery in Taungup Township. The AA’s battle for control of Maungdaw also continued.

In the second week, on July 7, a man in Minbya township was killed in a landmine blast. Two days later, it was reported that the regime had detained at least 700 Sittwe residents over the past two months. On July 10, two civilians were killed and three others injured by junta attacks in Thandwe and Kyaukphyu. On the same day, the military airlifted reinforcements to the strategic Ann Township. The following day, the AA completely occupied the Myanmar Junta's 55th Infantry Regiment in Thandwe. On July 12, the junta set fire to homes in a Maungdaw Township village, and shelling killed a Muslim university student and injured five others in Maungdaw. Three days later, over 200 junta soldiers retreated from Maungdaw’s Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone.

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.

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