17 Sep 2020 | 11:28 AM UTC
Myanmar: Shell fire kills one and wounds two civilians in Rakhine state September 17
Artillery shelling on village in Rathedaung township (Rakhine state) kills one and wounds two civilians on September 17; further attacks likely over the medium term
Event
One person is reported to have been killed and two others were wounded after artillery shell fire hit a village in Rakhine state on Thursday, September 17. The incident occurred in Shwe Laung Tin village in Rathedaung township at 09:30 (local time). It has not been indicated who was responsible for the artillery fire.
Further fighting is expected in Rakhine state over the medium term and could result in further civilian casualties.
Context
Violence resumed in early December 2018 between Arakan Army (AA) rebels and the military. The AA seeks greater autonomy for Buddhists in Rakhine state. According to the Myanmar office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 7500 displaced people are scattered across 29 sites in Rakhine due to the violence and 730,000 people in neighboring Bangladesh.
Advice
Those in Rakhine state are advised to avoid the area, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
