Civilians in Myanmar are at increasing risk of serious harm as fighting escalates between the military and an armed group in the country’s western Rakhine State. According to reports, ongoing clashes are increasingly affecting nearby villages, making them potential targets of indiscriminate military attacks. Villagers have been forced to flee or to take shelter in nearby hills as they attempt to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Humanitarian organizations have warned that civilians in the region may face further displacement as military assaults on villages become more frequent and brutal. Reports indicate that the military is deploying heavy artillery, fighter jets, and ground forces in attacks against the armed group, resulting in significant civilian casualties. International organizations and the United Nations have called for an immediate halt to the conflict and for Myanmar to ensure the protection of civilians.
