Junta’s warfare brings the total number of displaced people to more than 3 million

Since the military coup from February 1, 2021 to April 9, 2024, fighting across Myanmar has pushed the number of people displaced by war to 3,109,550 million, according to the lists compiled by the Burma News International – Myanmar Peace Monitor (BNI). -MPM).

BNI-MPM reports that during the two-week period from March 27 to April 9 this year, 38,400 people were displaced by conflict, including 200 in Chin State, 200 in Rakhine State and another 38,000 in the Sagaing region, as result of Junta’s artillery shelling and burning of civilian homes.

People also fled their homes in fear due to the Junta’s indiscriminate shootings, exacerbating the displacement caused by the armed clashes.

“In Sittwe Township (Rakhine State) we felt in a lot of danger. Lives are at risk because fighting can break out at any time and there is no rule of law,” a woman who fled Sittwe told DMG.

Since November 13, 2023, armed clashes have intensified in Rakhine State. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported on March 4 that nearly 157,000 people have been displaced in Rakhine State as a result of heavy fighting between the Arakha Army (AA) and the Junta.

AA has declared the capture of nine townships in Rakhine state during the past five months of offensives, vowing to ruthlessly pursue control of the entire region.

Fighting is currently ongoing in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ann, Taungup and Thandwe townships in Rakhine State. Tensions are escalating in the townships of Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, forcing residents to flee as a precaution.

Individuals displaced by war are in urgent need of supplies such as food, shelter, medicine and drinking water. It is also crucial to organize suitable accommodation for them before the start of the rainy season.

“We hardly receive any support and there are no job opportunities. The looming threat of possible air strikes is a constant concern. We want to appeal to everyone to help us,” said a Rakhine person displaced by the war.

Across Myanmar, resistance forces are engaged in daily fighting by carrying out attacks on Junta bases and military targets, prompting the Junta to mobilize its army, navy and air force to defend against these offensives.