On February 28, 2024, DMG conducted a photo documentation of the war-ravaged Pauktaw Township in Rakhine State.

Fighting broke out between the Junta and the Arakan Army (AA) in Pauktaw on November 16, 2023. During the clashes, houses and buildings in No. 2, No. 3 and Bawan wards, as well as the main market, were deliberately set ablaze by Junta troops.

The Junta also deployed the Navy and Air Force to bombard and shell Pauktaw, resulting in significant damage to schools, hospitals, offices, and public buildings there.

Amid the conflicts, Junta soldiers engaged in various human rights violations, such as the arbitrary arrest and killing of civilians. AA took on the risky task of rescuing numerous hostages held by the Junta forces.

On February 24, 2024, AA successfully seized full control of Pauktaw, marking it as the first town in Rakhine State to be captured by AA.

The intense clashes in Pauktaw have left tens of thousands of people displaced, and still suffering great hardship in their daily life and especially the lack of access to healthcare.