UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized Myanmar's military for attacking Rakhine state and killing civilians. Stephen Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, made this statement yesterday.


Dujarric stated that the Myanmar army's recent attacks in various locations, including Rakhine, have resulted in numerous civilian deaths. The UN Secretary-General has condemned these actions. Guterres also called for an end to the "ongoing massacre" of Rohingyas, who are caught in the conflict between the junta and the Arakan Army.

The Arakan Army, an armed group, attacked the junta in Rakhine state last November. This was their first attack against the military since the junta took control of Myanmar in 2021.

In response, the Myanmar army launched an operation against the Arakan Army, which also affected the border region with Bangladesh. On Thursday, Guterres condemned the operation, noting that many civilians had been killed.

The Arakan Army has stated its goal of seeking greater autonomy for Rakhine state, which is home to the Rohingyas. Most Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh due to persecution by the Myanmar military.

The Arakan Army claims that at least 70 civilians were killed by the junta in a recent attack on the village of Biyen Phyu in Rakhine's capital, Sittwe. The junta dismissed these claims as 'propaganda'.

Phone and internet services are currently suspended in Rakhine, making it difficult to verify reports of the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Rohingya have accused the Arakan Army of forcing them from their homes, burning their houses, and looting their belongings. They also allege that the military is coercing Rohingyas into fighting against the Arakan Army.

In 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following attacks by the Myanmar military. Prior to this, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas had already been living in several camps in the Cox's Bazar and Teknaf areas of Bangladesh.