Combat Ceased in Arakan for Over a Year, Yet Junta Airstrikes Hinder Residents’ Homecoming

Although there has been no ground combat since the Arakan Army (AA) took control of 14 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, many residents remain unable to go home due to concerns over junta airstrikes and artillery bombardments. 

A community member stated, "A lot of individuals in almost every city have not gone back home. The primary cause is the fear of the junta's aerial assaults. The military is also hitting civilian areas with these attacks, so even though the combat has ceased, people are still too frightened to return.”