(Reuters) – An armed ethnic group in Myanmar claimed control over a town in Rakhine state. The group denied accusations of targeting Rohingya during the offensive.
Arakan Army spokesman Khine Thu Kha confirmed the capture of Buthidaung near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. This marks another setback for the ruling junta battling opposition groups.
“We have conquered all the bases in Buthidaung and also took over the town yesterday,” Khine Thu Kha told Reuters by telephone.
Some Rohingya activists accuse the AA of targeting the community during the assault on Buthidaung and surrounding areas, forcing many of them to flee for safety.
“AA troops came into downtown, forced the people to leave their homes and started torching houses,” Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition advocacy group told Reuters, based on what he said were eyewitness accounts.
“While the town was burning, I spoke with several people I have known and trusted for years. They all testified that the arson attack was done by the AA.”
While denying any intention to target Rohingya communities, the group’s actions have raised concerns about the safety and security.
As the Myanmar rebel group consolidates its control over the town, neighboring countries and international organizations are closely monitoring developments. The group’s denial of targeting Rohingya is met with skepticism, given the history of violence against the minority group. Amidst growing tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace and stability in the region.
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