Arakan Army Attacks and Fortify Rights Report
The latest report published by Fortify Rights notes that the Arakan Army used “disproportionate force” against Rohingya Muslims trying to flee to Bangladesh on August 5-6. The report states that the Arakan Army attacked thousands of refugees gathered on the banks of the Naf River with mortars and drones on August 5, and opened fire on hundreds of civilians fleeing across the border on August 6, causing many deaths.
The report points out that the Arakan Army sent drones to the region before launching its attacks, which clearly shows that the organization carried out a “deliberate” attack on civilians. It also emphasized that the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) should include the Arakan Army’s attacks on Rohingya civilians in the ongoing investigation into Myanmar.
“There is no excuse for indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilians,” said Matthew Smith, chief executive of Fortify Rights, in the report. “The Arakan Army leaders are responsible for such attacks must be held criminally accountable.” Smith continued: “This attack has created great fear among Rohingya civilians and led to a new wave of migration. These crimes must be fully investigated.”
