Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 21 August 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) continues to rescue civilianstrapped in urban wards of  Maungdaw as the junta forces intensified airstrikes on thetown. According to an AA statement, over 20,000 civilians have been rescuedtill 20 August. From 7 to 20 August, the AA fighters rescued the trappedcivilians.

AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha stated that duringthe rescue efforts, the civilians were saved irrespective of  their raceor religion. They were later relocated to their chosen places with necessarysafety measures.

Mostly the Muslims from Maungdaw urban areas wererescued by the AA fighters. The others are Arakanese and Hindus.

U Khaing Thu Kha also informed that the rescuedcivilians are also offered food and medicines.

Many displaced persons are now suffering fromdysentery and diarrhea. They urgently need medicines for various illnesses,said the AA in an earlier statement.

In Maungdaw, under the AA’s control, dysentery anddiarrhea resulted in five deaths. Caused by contaminated water, the people needurgent medical assistance and drinking water.

Since 4 August, the AA fighters have intensified theiroffensive to capture Maungdaw. They have  penetrated Maungdaw and capturedmost of the town areas defeating the junta soldiers and Muslim armed groups. Tofully capture the town, they have lately started the offensive against the 5thborder guard police battalion (Na Kha Kha-5).