Myanmar Government Sorry About Fighting in Rakhine State

The Myanmar government has acknowledged the plight of the innocent civilians and families in the conflicted Rakhine State. Zaw Htay, the President Office spokesman said the government ‘feels sorry’. He said the government is extremely sorry to see people fleeing from their homes.

 “When the war breaks out and armed conflicts happen, the people who suffered instability and insecurity directly are the local Rakhine people. The Tatmadaw (government defence services) and the Arakan Army (AA) are fighting in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Ponngyun, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U and other areas in the Rakhine State.” Htay said the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled from their homes in the conflict zone has reached over 10,000.

 The United Nations Organization for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) says the figures have reached to 16,000. The people are in 58 makeshift camps in six townships in Rakhine State. Civilians have also been killed and injured in the fighting, with both sides suffering casualties.

 Htay said 27 police personnel and 12 civilians were killed and 26 police personnel and 20 civilians were wounded. The fighting continues.