Asia Pacific,Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys


Myanmar Crisis: Civilians Killed in Airstrikes as Rohingya Risk Dangerous Journeys

22nd January 2025, 12:00 PM

Yangon, Myanmar – The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has taken a deadly turn as civilians were reportedly killed in airstrikes in the northern Rakhine state, while Rohingya refugees continue to risk dangerous journeys in search of safety.

According to reports reaching international organizations, airstrikes struck a village in Buthidaung township on Saturday, killing at least 20 civilians, including women and children. The Myanmar military has denied responsibility for the attacks, claiming they targeted armed rebels operating in the area.

The escalating violence has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, adding to the already dire humanitarian situation in Rakhine state. Thousands of Rohingya Muslims, who have been subjected to decades of discrimination and violence in Myanmar, are now facing a choice between staying in dangerous conditions or risking treacherous sea crossings.

In neighboring Bangladesh, more than 1 million Rohingya refugees live in sprawling camps, where conditions are often overcrowded and unsanitary. Many refugees are desperate to find a safer life elsewhere, and some are turning to smugglers who arrange risky boat journeys to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries in the region.

“The situation in Myanmar is a humanitarian disaster,” said Annabella Price, regional director for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “Civilians are being killed and displaced, and thousands of people are risking their lives on dangerous journeys in search of safety.”

The United Nations has called on the Myanmar government to end the violence and respect the rights of its citizens, including the Rohingya. International organizations are also providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the crisis.

However, the future remains uncertain for the Rohingya people. Without a long-term solution to the crisis in Myanmar, they will continue to face hardship and danger both inside the country and as refugees in neighboring countries.

Background

The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group from Myanmar. They have faced decades of discrimination and violence, and their citizenship has been denied by the Myanmar government. In 2017, a military crackdown forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.

Since then, the Rohingya have been living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, with limited access to essential services and facing an uncertain future. International efforts to repatriate the Rohingya to Myanmar have been unsuccessful, as the Myanmar government has refused to recognize their citizenship and provide guarantees for their safety.


Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys

The AI has provided us with the news.

I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.

Asia Pacific a new article on 2025-01-22 12:00 titled “Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.


4

Leave a Comment