ULA/AA Issues Five Points for Civilians Trapped in Maungdaw
Border News Agency
Maungdaw, August 7.
The Arakan Army (AA) has issued a statement on August 7, outlining five points for civilians trapped in Maungdaw, where intense fighting is ongoing as the AA continues its operations against the Myanmar military. The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has provided these guidelines to ensure the safety of civilians in the area.
- Safety Precautions for Leaving Maungdaw
Civilians should avoid areas of danger when trying to leave Maungdaw and should head towards locations under AA control, which are considered safer. - Staying Safe in the Area
For those who cannot leave, it is advised to stay in fortified areas, display white flags or other identifying markers for safety, and choose locations as far away from conflict zones as possible. - Avoiding Military Targets
Civilians should avoid staying in or near buildings or locations that are known to be military targets or those used for defense by the military council. - Distance from Armed Groups
Civilians are urged to stay as far away as possible from armed groups such as the Myanmar military, ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army), RSO (Rohingya Solidarity Organization), and ARA (Arakan Rohingya Army) to avoid being used as human shields. - Reporting Escaped Militants
If civilians encounter militants who are fleeing from battles, they should report them to the nearest ULA/AA members immediately.
The ULA/AA’s guidelines are intended to help civilians avoid harm and ensure their safety amidst the ongoing conflict. The displaced Rohingya in Maungdaw are reported to be in urgent need of basic necessities and international humanitarian assistance, as noted by the local Muslim community.
The Rohingya armed groups, including ARSA, RSO, and ARA, are reportedly not protecting Maungdaw’s civilians but are engaged in obstructing the military operations, according to local Muslim sources. There are approximately 5,000 Rohingya armed fighters with training and weapons provided by the Myanmar military in Maungdaw, as claimed by the Muslim community.
(Photo: Inside Maungdaw, Border News Agency)
