The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) condemned the looting and burning of one of its warehouses in Maungdaw, Rakhine state, Myanmar, on Sunday, June 23, 2024. The warehouse, storing 1,175 metric tons of food and supplies, which could have supported 64,000 people for a month, was destroyed amid ongoing conflicts between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar's military government. Both the AA and the military have been accused of involvement in the incident.
The AA urged Maungdaw's Rohingya residents to evacuate for safety, emphasizing the severity of the conflict. The ongoing fighting is part of a broader national civil war, in which ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces are battling the military junta that seized power in 2021.
In the broader context of the unrest, the AA has targeted several strategic locations, including Ngapali beach in western Rakhine, forcing junta troops to retreat. Concurrently, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched attacks in Kyaukme, Shan state, disrupting travel and causing residents to seek refuge. Despite a ceasefire brokered by China in January, clashes have resumed, underscoring the volatility in contested areas.
Overall, the conflict has displaced over 3 million people across Myanmar, exacerbating the need for humanitarian assistance. The WFP called for adherence to International Humanitarian Law to safeguard aid facilities and ensure secure access for delivering essential aid.