Arakan Army conducts landmine clearance in former battle zones of Maungdaw

By Admin 16 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 March 2026, Maungdaw

Landmine clearance teams from the Arakan Army (AA) are carrying out ongoing operations in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships to ensure safe passage for civilians in areas where heavy fighting previously took place between the Myanmar military and the ethnic Arakanese armed group.

The clearance operations focus on former junta military outposts, former combat zones, forested areas and roadsides where explosives may remain.

“Landmine explosions occur frequently here, causing numerous deaths and injuries. Clearance work was carried out near the Mawrawady base and other locations. Approximately 20 landmines were discovered during these recent efforts,” said a source close to the Arakan Army.

The source added that search operations conducted as of January 21, 2026, at former junta battalion sites, highways and forest areas in Maungdaw Township led to the recovery of 78 M-14 landmines.

In addition to physical clearance, Arakan Army teams have been visiting villages to conduct mine-risk awareness programs. Residents have been warned to avoid former junta positions and designated restricted areas.

A local woman from Maungdaw, who is a member of the United League of Arakan (ULA)’s Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), said: “Over the past years, clearance teams have been visiting villages to conduct educational sessions. They also distribute pamphlets to travelers to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines.”

According to sources close to the Arakan Army, the group has cleared more than 280 landmines across Maungdaw District between 2025 and the present.

Although the Arakan Army now controls 14 townships in Arakan State and is working to resettle displaced residents, landmine risks remain a major threat.

Internally displaced persons returning to areas formerly occupied by the military regime or where intense fighting occurred continue to face the danger of accidental explosions.

According to data compiled by DMG, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) caused 55 deaths and 175 injuries in Arakan State between April 2024 and March 2026.