Deadly Drone Attack Kills Rohingya Fleeing Myanmar

Rohingyas Fleeing Myanmar Killed in Drone Attack

In a tragic event, a drone attack targeted Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar, resulting in the deaths of many, including families with children. Witnesses report that survivors were left to navigate through piles of bodies to locate their loved ones.

Details of the Attack

On Monday, multiple drone strikes hit Rohingya families waiting to cross into Bangladesh. Among the victims were a heavily pregnant woman and her 2-year-old daughter. This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Rakhine state amid ongoing conflicts between Myanmar’s military and local rebels.

Three witnesses have attributed the attack to the Arakan Army, although the group has denied involvement. The Myanmar military and the militia have exchanged accusations, with Reuters unable to independently verify the number of casualties or determine responsibility.

Witness Accounts and Impact

Videos circulating on social media depict horrific scenes: piles of bodies scattered across muddy terrain, with personal belongings strewn around. Witnesses estimate over 200 deaths, while one reported seeing at least 70 bodies. The attack occurred just outside Maungdaw, a coastal town in Myanmar.

Mohammed Eleyas, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience of losing his pregnant wife and young daughter during the drone strikes. He described lying on the ground for safety and later discovering his family’s tragic fate.

Shamsuddin, another survivor, managed to escape with his wife and newborn son. He described the scene as chaotic, with many people either dead or in severe pain following the attack.

Additional Casualties

The violence extended beyond the drone attacks. Boats carrying fleeing Rohingyas sank in the Naf River, leading to further deaths. Medecins Sans Frontieres reported treating 39 individuals for violence-related injuries, including shell and gunshot wounds.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has acknowledged the boat capsizes but has yet to confirm the exact death toll or circumstances.

Background and Context

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, have faced severe persecution in Myanmar. In 2017, over 730,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar following a military-led crackdown described by the U.N. as genocidal. The situation has worsened since the military coup in 2021, leading to increased conflict and displacement.

The Arakan Army, an armed group fighting in the region, has been accused of burning down major Rohingya settlements, leaving Maungdaw under siege. The group has denied these allegations.

International Response

The attacks have drawn international condemnation. Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, confirmed the reports of mass casualties, stating the information as accurate. Myanmar’s junta blamed the Arakan Army, but the group has rejected these claims.

Efforts to Escape

Despite the violence, Rohingyas continue to seek safety. Eleyas described his desperate search for a boat to escape to Bangladesh, recounting a poignant moment of reconciliation with his wife before her death.

The grim reality of the ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for international intervention and support for displaced Rohingyas.