Recent Escalation of Conflict in Maung Taw, Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar (08/05/24)
On May 6th, 2024, reports emerged of intense clashes between armed militant groups in Maung Taw, Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar. The escalation of violence has prompted local residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
A resident of Maung Taw, speaking on condition of anonymity, shed light on the situation, indicating that the local populace does not lend support to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) due to their involvement in criminal activities such as kidnapping of affluent individuals and extortion. Furthermore, it was noted that the Arakan Army (AA) does not garner support from the Muslim community in the region.
In their bid to escape the conflict-ridden area, locals are resorting to utilizing water routes to reach Sittwe, an area under the control of the current government. However, this exodus comes amidst soaring prices of essential commodities such as rice and eggs, exacerbating the already dire hardships faced by the populace.
The ARSA primarily operates in Northern Rakhine State, where a significant portion of the Muslim Rohingya population resides. On the other hand, the AA, originally founded along the China-Myanmar border, has recently shifted its focus to Rakhine state. Utilizing ultranationalist rhetoric, the group seeks to garner support from the local Rakhine populace, while also engaging deeply in illegal drug and arms trafficking.
The escalating conflict in Maung Taw underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions and highlights the plight of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
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