A spokesperson for Myanmar’s military government has denied accusations of a massacre in Byine Phyu village, Rakhine state, where army troops and local allies allegedly killed 76 people. The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed organization, claimed responsibility for the accusations and has been on the offensive against army outposts in Rakhine since last year.
The Arakan Army, representing the Buddhist Rakhine minority seeking autonomy, has been accused of major human rights violations, including the capture of Buthidaung where it allegedly forced Rohingya residents to flee and burned down buildings. The military council spokesperson denied the allegations of a mass killing in Byine Phyu village, stating that only three suspects were shot in self-defense.
The conflicting claims highlight the ongoing violence and tensions in Rakhine, a focal point for Myanmar’s civil war. The UN has raised concerns about new attacks in the region, particularly targeting Rohingya civilians, a minority group facing persecution and discrimination in Myanmar.
The situation in Rakhine has sparked fears of a revival of violence against the Rohingya, who fled to neighboring Bangladesh in 2017 due to a brutal counterinsurgency campaign. The Arakan Army’s capture of Buthidaung and subsequent allegations of violence further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
With limited access to verify details independently, the conflicting narratives underscore the challenges in reporting on the ground in a region marred by violence and unrest. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as tensions escalate in Rakhine, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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