Aye Myat Khaing, Narinjara News, 23 January 2025 

Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thukha informed Narinjara News that the soldiers implicated in war crimes, as evidenced by the video evidence published by Fortify Rights, have faced repercussions. 

U Khaing Thukha commented on the Fortify Rights report, which alleged that the Arakan Army (AA) executed prisoners of war in Arakan State and urged for an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

"Don't concentrate only on this situation. It is important to keep in mind that numerous prisoners of war have been treated and looked after appropriately. It is crucial to acknowledge this too. This occurrence is entirely contrary to our policy, and we do not tolerate such unlawful behavior. We will respond and penalize those accountable. “We will persist in our struggle, and stringent actions will be taken to ensure it does not occur again,” stated U Khaing Thukha. 

Khaing Thukha

In relation to the issue, U Khaing Thukha stated that as the AA forces have confessed to the offense, appropriate actions will be taken against those responsible, and stringent steps will be implemented to avoid similar occurrences in the future. 

The event depicted in the video, which has been shared widely online, took place following the seizure of the 9th Military Operations Command (MOC-9), located in Kyauktaw Town, in February 2024. 

U Khaing Thukha mentioned that certain AA troops, infuriated by the unfair murder of their relatives, became emotionally unstable upon capturing junta soldiers, breaching military rules and committing an offense. 

U Khaing Thukha also stated that some of the lower-ranking commanders involved in the incident were killed in the combat, while others have already been punished. 

The statement from Fortify Rights mentioned, “Enemy soldiers who are captured must always be treated with respect as prisoners of war and granted the protections outlined in the Geneva Conventions, while those who commit war crimes against detainees should face prosecution.” 

"Torturing civilians or captured enemy soldiers and executing them without trial are considered war crimes," stated Ejaz Min Khant, Human Rights Associate at Fortify Rights.