The Arakan Army (AA) cleared nearly 200 landmines from Sittwe District in Arakan State during May, according to local reports, as demining operations continue across areas affected by years of armed conflict.
According to the report, AA demining teams removed a total of 199 landmines allegedly planted by Myanmar military junta forces. The recovered explosives reportedly included 150 MA4-type mines, 16 MA2-type mines, and 33 MA1-type mines.
The latest operation follows earlier mine-clearance efforts in the district. The report stated that the AA cleared 196 landmines in March, while a total of 262 landmines were seized and recovered in February.
Despite these efforts, local residents say landmine contamination remains a serious threat in many parts of Sittwe District.
A resident of Ponnagyun Township stressed the importance of continuing demining operations to protect civilians from ongoing risks.
“We are grateful that landmine clearance operations are being carried out. Landmines continue to claim civilian lives. Since armed conflict is still ongoing in our district, many buried landmines remain. Therefore, we hope the Arakan Army will continue its demining efforts,” the resident said.
According to the report, Myanmar military forces allegedly planted landmines in former military positions as well as in areas frequently used by civilians. As a result, local communities continue to face the risk of death and serious injury from landmine explosions.
The report further noted that the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has been conducting ongoing mine-clearance operations throughout Arakan. In addition to removing landmines, the organization has reportedly implemented mine-risk awareness programs in towns and villages, erected warning signs in hazardous areas, and distributed educational materials on the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Landmine contamination remains a major humanitarian concern across parts of Arakan, where unexploded explosives continue to endanger civilians long after active fighting has subsided.
Photo: APM
