Narinjara News, June 20, 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly cleared over 2,000 landmines left over from the war in Thandwe and Gwa townships, Rakhine State.

The Myanmar military planted tens of thousands of landmines during the Rakhine conflict. The AA has recently cleared approximately 500 landmines in Thandwe Township and more than 1,500 in Gwa Township.

A woman affiliated with the AA stated, "There is a reason why some people are still not allowed to enter the Ngapali beach area. The number of mines laid by the military council is significant. The AA is also clearing jungles and military bases along the Gwa road."

After the AA fully captured Thandwe and Gwa townships, locals reported that they are clearing areas where the military council had established camps, including forests, roads, and residential neighborhoods.

A local man from Gwa said, "We've seen the AA clearing mines. In addition to landmines, we have also found unexploded ordnance left behind by the military council during the war. The junta forces planted mines in the forests and hills along their retreat route, as well as in civilian farmlands."

The AA took control of Thandwe Township on September 5, 2024, and Gwa Township on December 29, 2024.

Reports indicate that the military council's mining operations have led to frequent injuries and fatalities among residents of Thandwe and Gwa, who rely on the forests for their livelihoods and often suffer accidents while searching for firewood, cooking, farming, or digging.

According to Narinjara, 15 civilians were killed and more than 60 injured by landmines and other explosive devices in Rakhine, including Thandwe and Gwa townships, between January and May.

The Arakan People's Revolutionary Government under the ULA/AA is conducting educational lectures on the dangers of landmines and other explosive devices, erecting mine warning signs, and distributing awareness pamphlets in Thandwe and throughout Rakhine.