At least 19 civilians were killed and 26 others injured in Rakhine State during the first 11 days of August as a result of airstrikes and other attacks by the military junta, according to a statement issued on August 12 by the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA).
During the period, the military junta carried out airstrikes on civilian residential areas in Thandwe, Ann, Mrauk-U and Paletwa, resulting in civilian casualties, according to the HDCO.
The HDCO also reported an incident in which displaced civilians fishing at Nantha Kyun in Rathedaung Township were shot at by junta troops wearing civilian clothes and armed Muslim men.
The HDCO strongly condemned the targeting of civilians and civilian-populated areas, stressing that civilians are not military targets.
It also called on the international community to urgently pay attention to the continued rise in civilian casualties in Rakhine caused by the junta’s attacks.
The HDCO further urged stronger efforts to protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.
The office said the continued civilian deaths and injuries resulting from targeted attacks by the junta are a matter of serious concern. It also stressed that civilians, their homes, religious buildings and other civilian infrastructure must be protected.
Photo: HDCO
