With the death of  U Than Sein Maung (45) hailing from Wet Hmaing village  in Sittwe general hospital on 2 July, the number of landmine explosions in Rakhine State reached five within two months.

Than Sein Maung  was hit by a landmine near LIB (375) battalion on 1 July at around 1 pm and initially lost one leg.

“Besides the leg, my father sustained injuries to his whole body. He was shifted to Sittwe from Kyauktaw hospital. Doctors said his other leg was also badly injured. But now my father is dead," said his son.

Village elders believe that the landmine was planted by the junta force with an intention to harm the  Arakan Army members.

Within two months, at least eight landmines  exploded in six Rakhine townships as well as Paletwa township of Chin State.

Affected Rakhine townships, where the explosions took place between 14 and 22 June, include Ann, Minbya, Rathedaung, Maebon, Kyauk Taw and Mrauk-U.