Landmine explosion kills 1, injures another in Kyaukphyu

A villager was killed and another injured as a landmine exploded in Kyaukphyu township of Rakhine State on 22 March.

U Zaw Zaw (aged 45) from Wut San Daunt village in Ohn Taw village-tract was killed and U Win Naing Soe (aka Wah Gyi, 40) was injured.

U Win Naing Soe stepped on a landmine near Doe Tan Taung 32nd police battalion in Kyan Tat Taung, while carrying jackfruits by 2 pm. He lost his right leg.

At around 4:50 pm, the villagers were heading to assist U Win Naing Soe, who stepped on a landmine, then another landmine detonated in the vicinity, causing U Zaw Zaw to lose his right leg. U Zaw Zaw passed away at the hospital by 8:30 pm due to the injuries.

"The first person stepped on a landmine while gathering food, and when the others went to rescue  another individual stepped on a second landmine, resulting in his death. Given the military presence in the area, there is a risk of landmines, which  concerns the civilians over their safety. We must remain vigilant and exercise caution while moving,"  said a local villager.

He emphasized on clearing the landmines and remnants of military weapons in Rakhine State. The military junta is requested not to plant landmines near civilian areas.

U Win Naing Soe is currently receiving treatment at Kyaukphyu hospital.

On 14 March, Ko Maung San Win, a 25-year-old mentally ill individual from Yan Taing village under Minbya township, was injured in an explosion caused by the remnants of military weapons.

Between 13 November 2023 and 13 January 2024, 111 Rakhine civilians were killed and 357 were injured due to the junta’s  use of artillery shells, small arms firing by air force and navy personnel, as well as landmines, said a statement issued by the United League of Arakan (ULA/AA).

At least 11 people died as a result of landmine explosions.