The Arakan Army (AA) says it has recovered and cleared 35 M-14 anti-personnel landmines allegedly left behind by Myanmar military forces in Maungdaw Township, northern Arakan State, as demining operations continue in former conflict areas.
In a statement, the AA said its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team carried out the operation on July 3 after receiving reports of buried landmines near Gaung Nyar Village. The mines were reportedly found approximately one kilometer south of the Labawzar outpost, where the team recovered all 35 devices.
According to the AA, the landmines were among the explosive hazards allegedly planted by Myanmar military forces during the battle for Maungdaw, which the group captured in late 2024.
The latest operation follows a series of previous mine-clearance efforts in the township. The AA said its teams removed 78 M-14 landmines in January from former Myanmar military positions, roads, and areas near Myakanta Dam. It also reported clearing 128 landmines across Maungdaw Township in September 2025.
The group said it has expanded mine risk education campaigns alongside demining activities to help facilitate the safe return of civilians to their homes and agricultural land.
The AA alleged that Myanmar military forces left landmines not only around former military bases and defensive positions but also in farmland, forests, and other civilian areas. According to the group, residents collecting firewood, foraging, or working in agricultural fields continue to face the risk of landmine explosions.
Local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution when traveling near former military installations, previous battlefields, forested areas, and roadsides, warning that unexploded mines and other explosive remnants of war may still be present. They also called on the public to immediately report any suspicious objects to the relevant authorities.
The Arakan Army's claims could not be independently verified, and the Myanmar military had not issued any public statement regarding the reported mine-clearance operation at the time of publication.
Photo: APM
