Mizzima
The Arakan Army (AA) has asserted that the Myanmar junta is intentionally launching artillery attacks on the ancient capital city of Mrauk-U, committing what they describe as war crimes.
On the morning of 10 January, Light Infantry Battalion (540) stationed in Mrauk-U allegedly fired artillery six times at the Mrauk-U ancient palace area, a historically significant site known for its unique architecture and cultural importance, as per the announcement made by the AA on 11 January.
UNESCO has been in the process of attempting to add Mrauk-U to its World Heritage List.
The AA also claims that this deliberate attack on Mrauk-U is a continuation of the Military Council’s assault that began on 25 December 2023.
In a move believed a war crime, the Military Council intentionally targeted and destroyed the Mrauk-U cultural area, which has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, according to reports by the Arakan Army (AA). The AA has strongly condemned such actions.
While the extent of the damage from this recent attack on the Mrauk-U ancient palace area has not been disclosed, a prior assault on 25 December, 2023, resulted in the National Unity Government (NUG) Interim Heritage Conservation Commission reporting damage to the national cultural heritage, including stone pillars dating back thousands of years and ancient cultural artifacts in the Archaeological Museum situated in the Mrauk-U Heritage Zone.
The NUG has declared its intention to pursue legal action in both international and local courts in response to the actions of the Military Council. Meanwhile, the AA has announced its determination to retaliate effectively against the Military Council.
In addition to the ongoing military tensions in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State, there are reports of heightened conflict in the neighbouring Minbya Township between the Military Council and the AA.
Since 10 January, the AA has engaged in intense fighting with the Military Council’s Light Infantry Battalions (379), (380), and (541) in Minbya.
The AA reported that airstrikes by the Military Council on 10 January in the morning, resulted in the destruction of local residences in Minbya. On 11 January, the military council conducted an airstrike on Minbya’s Myoma Market, causing the market to be burnt down, according to the AA.
