Statement

August 7, 2024

  The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) continues its offensive operations to completely capture the remaining camps of the terrorist military junta near Maungdaw along the Bangladesh-Arakan border. Since June 16, 2024, we have been urging civilians in Maungdaw town to evacuate as quickly as possible before the battle to capture the town began.

  On the other hand, the military junta and extremist Muslim armed groups such as ARSA, RSO, and ARA are using weapons and manpower to intimidate and prevent innocent civilians from reaching safe places, in addition to coercion and persuasion based on Islamic religious extremism. At the same time, Muslims and non-Muslim minority civilians such as Rakhine, Hindu, and Khami trapped in Maungdaw town face daily threats, oppression, and killings from terrorists.

  Additionally, we are saddened to learn from social media that in recent days, many Muslims fleeing the town have reportedly died from artillery or small arms fire, bombings, drownings, airstrikes, or massive explosions near the coast of Maungdaw, causing great distress. We respectfully announce that these deaths did not occur in areas under our control and are not related to our organization. We are investigating the details of these incidents and will promptly release information as soon as we have verified the facts.

  The ULA/AA is an organization that, from the beginning of military training, has clearly instructed its members to adhere to military discipline, the soldier’s code of conduct, human rights laws, and international humanitarian laws during warfare. Our organization does not support terrorism and condemns all forms of violence against civilian population. We will not allow any terrorist groups to establish a foothold in the Arakan and will eliminate all terrorist organizations.

  To ensure the safety of innocent civilians amidst the increasingly intensified battles around the capture of Maungdaw, we request every civilian to strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

  1.  All civilians should evacuate from Maungdaw town toward areas with the Arakan Army, which can provide safety, rather than venturing into dangerous areas.

2.   Civilians unable to evacuate should take shelter in safe places in their vicinity, mark their locations with white flags, and stay as far away as possible from combat zones and terrorists.

3.   Avoid staying in military junta’s roads, houses, and major buildings where defense positions and sniper posts are established, or where military junta personnel are stationed.

4.   Stay as far away as possible from military junta and extremist groups like ARSA, RSO, and ARA to prevent being used as human shields.

5.   If you encounter terrorists mingling with civilians while fleeing from the battlefield, promptly report to the nearest ULA/AA troops.

  We urge the innocent civilians in Maungdaw to strictly follow these directives and recommendations to avoid harm and remain safe.

United League of Arakan

DISCLAIMER: The English version of this statement serves as a translation of the original Burmese text for informational purposes only. In case of any discrepancies, the Burmese original shall prevail.