Child casualties, both deaths and injuries, from landmines and unexploded ordinance are increasing in Arakan (Rakhine) State, particularly in and around former battlefields and areas where junta troops have temporarily camped.
On 29 January 2025, seven-year-old Kush Sheik Arlar died after he stepped on a landmine in Gonnar Village in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State. He was walking in the area around his house when he stepped on a mine that blew his leg off. He was treated for his injuries but later, on 31 January, died from them.
A villager from Gonnar said on 1 February: “The child lost his leg. We had planned to send him to Bangladesh for medical treatment, but his condition was too critical, and he passed away yesterday.”
Previously in June 2024, all the residents of Gonnar had fled from the village. They had only started to return to their homes on 18 January.
Also, on 18 January, a 4-year-old boy in Kingpon Village, in Gwa Township, Arakan State died after unexploded ordnance brought home by his father exploded whilst he was playing with it.
Now the Arakan Army (AA) controls most of Arakan State, but civilians in areas previously occupied by the junta army face dangers from landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind by the army.
An official from an unidentified Arakan civil society organisation said: “Our organisation is increasing mine awareness campaigns in rural areas, and the AA is also conducting demining efforts. However, we still can't cover every area, so the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance remains widespread.”
But he added that carrying out demining requires financial, mechanical, and technical assistance.
There has been intense fighting in many rural areas of Arakan State and there are many landmines and unexploded ordnance in such areas. This means that people living in many rural and forested areas of Arakan State are at high risk of death and injury from landmines and unexploded ordnance whilst they try to earn a livelihood.
According to statistics collected by DMG, four people, including children, were killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance during January 2025.
