Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 17 September 2024

The military junta forces have been laying landmines innorthern areas of Gwa township of Arakan State, where the Arakan Army (AA) isapprehended to enter, said local residents.

Starting on 14 September, the junta soldiers started layinglandmines from the mountain behind Taing Kyoe village in southern Gwa to KywayChai Kwat Thit village.

"They are primarily laying landmines in areas where theAA fighters are expected to enter like the ridges and under a number of trees.Over 30 junta soldiers, including armed personnel from the 563rd light infantrybattalion, are involved in these activities," said a resident.

Between June and August, two people died and two otherssustained serious leg injuries after stepping on landmines near Gwa andKyeintali towns, where the junta forces previously laid those. The residentexpressed serious concern that the civilians may face the landmine blasts inthe coming days.

Frequent clashes are now occurring between the juntasoldiers and AA fighters in southern areas of Kyeintali town. More than 300junta soldiers were deployed from Taing Kyoe  to Kyway Chai villages, saida military source.

"Those 300 soldiers along with militiamen were firmlystationed in different  villages," added the source.

The landmines laid by the junta forces are usually locatedin the ridges behind the villages. The villagers have been asked  to avoidforaging, cutting wood and gathering bamboo from the forests and mountains forthe time being.