FALCON POWERS – The United Nations and aid agencies have stated that the Muslim Rohingya minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine state is once again at risk of attack and displacement as fighting intensifies between the powerful military and the ruling junta in the country.
Estimates indicate that tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled to neighboring Bangladesh since mid-May in search of safety, though Bangladesh is hesitant to accept more refugees. Many of those who remain in Rakhine are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The Arakan Army had earlier claimed control of the town of Buthidaung in May after clashes in which they were accused of targeting the Rohingya community. The Arakan Army denies these allegations.
Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims, and the military junta spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. The Arakan Army forces are now advancing towards the town of Maungdaw, which is also home to a large Rohingya population, and the Myanmar military junta is likely to attempt to seize control of this area, raising the specter of further violent incidents.
A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said “We see clear and present risks of a serious escalation of violence as the battle for the neighboring town of Maungdaw begins, where the military maintains control positions and where a large Rohingya community resides.”
