Ann residents urge urgent clearance of unexploded bombs in village

By Admin 25 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

25 March 2026, Ann

Residents of Gantgaw Village in Ann Township, Arakan State, are calling for the urgent removal of two unexploded bombs dropped by regime aircraft in an area currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).

The munitions remain embedded in the village football field, raising serious concerns over public safety.

Villagers said the bombs are lodged deep in the ground at the center of the village and have been temporarily covered with soil. However, as the field is a main play area for children and is surrounded by homes, residents fear the ordnance could detonate at any time.

“The bombs are stuck in the ground, so villagers covered them with soil. Since it’s a football field, children are playing right on top of it. This is extremely dangerous,” a local woman in Gantgaw Village told DMG.

Although the full size of the bombs remains unknown due to being buried, villagers estimate their diameter to be about eight inches.

Residents also expressed concern that rising summer temperatures could trigger an explosion and are urging authorities and mine clearance teams to remove the bombs as soon as possible.

“The football field is in the center of the village, so we are always worried. Relocating villagers is not feasible at the moment. It would be better if responsible authorities could clear them,” a village elder said.

Gantgaw Village is located about four miles from Ann, and residents primarily rely on shifting cultivation and forest products such as wood and bamboo for their livelihoods.

According to locals, the village was subjected to heavy artillery and airstrikes during recent fighting for control of Ann.

Mine risk awareness advocates warn that rising temperatures increase the likelihood of unexploded ordnance detonating spontaneously. They urge residents in Arakan State, particularly those working in forested areas, to remain highly vigilant.

Casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to be reported regularly across Arakan State, highlighting the need for increased caution in conflict-affected areas.

The Arakan Army is reportedly carrying out mine and UXO clearance operations in areas under its control.