Weekly Analysis: Human Rights Situation in Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi Region

January 20, 2025

Landmines Pose Growing Risk to the Safety and Security of Civilians in Southeastern Burma

Landmine detonations have caused deaths and injuries for many civilians in Burma. They are hidden and are often discovered before it is too late, causing extreme pain and trauma to victims. Since the attempted coup, there has been a significant rise in landmine incidents in Burma. According to UNICEF, 32% of landmine casualties in early 2024 were children.

In target areas of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), including Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, the presence of landmines has hindered civilian livelihoods and daily lives.

On January 1st, a displaced man from Chaung Hna Pauk village, Tenasserim Township, attempted to return home but was killed by a landmine explosion. The victim, 40-year-old U Zaw Min, and another unknown villager were walking towards their village when they stepped on a landmine. The body of U Zaw Min was cremated on January 2nd, 2025.

Before the incident on December 18th, 2024, about 300 military junta troop members launched operations targeting the Tenasserim – Tone Khar – Maw Taung roadway. Intense battles have taken place with the local revolutionary armed forces near Yebyu, Tone Khar, and Thane Khun villages, forcing about 13,000 persons from 10 villages to flee their homes.

Over a week later, on January 9th, a couple from Ma Yan Gone village, Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State, were returning home from their farm when they stepped on a landmine. The 50-year-old husband’s injuries were severe, and he was sent to the Mawlamyine General Hospital. Kyikemayaw Township has had no armed clashes for more than a year, but there have been frequent civilian casualties due to landmines and remnants of ammunition.

Landmines wounded at least five residents, and local villagers are afraid of going to their farmland or plantation. They have abandoned their workplace for years.

“We’ve heard of landmine casualties every three or four months. Most people dare not go to the farmland or plantations in remote areas. They have been abandoned for a long time. Now, you have to suffer alone. No one takes responsibility,” said a Kyikemayaw resident.

In 2024, three people, including a child, were killed, and landmine explosions in the Mon and Karen States, as well as in the Tanintharyi region, injured another 26, according to HURFOM data.

On November 20, 2024, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) identified Burma as the country with the highest number of deaths and injuries caused by landmines globally. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as the junta’s tactics escalate fear, displacement, and loss across the region.

Overview of Main Cases

Displaced Man Who Returned Home, Killed by a Landmine
On January 1st, a displaced man from Chaung Hna Pauk village, Tenasserim Township, attempted to return home but was killed by a landmine explosion. The victim, 40-year-old U Zaw Min, and another unknown villager were walking towards their village when they stepped on a landmine.

Husband Killed and Wife Injured in Landmine Detonation
On January 9th, a couple from Ma Yan Gone village, Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State, were returning home from their farm when they stepped on a landmine. The 50-year-old husband’s injuries were serious. He was sent to the Mawlamyine General Hospital.

Junta Deploys an Airstrike in Taku Village, Tanintharyi Region
On the morning of January 13, junta fighter jets launched an airstrike on Taku village in Tanintharyi Township, Myeik District, leaving five civilians injured and destroying four homes. At 8:30 AM, despite no active clashes in the area, two bombs were dropped over the Taku village tract, with the first strike hitting near the Taku police station.

Severe Restrictions and Shelling in Ye Township Force Villagers to Flee
Following clashes near Kyone Laung Old Village in Ye Township, Mon State, junta forces have tightened control over the township’s main entry and exit routes, imposing strict inspections on both local civilians and travelers.

Homes in the Tanintharyi Region Raided and Set on Fire by the Junta
On January 11, 2025, junta troops raided Zayat Seik village in Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region, setting fire to five homes and over 50 acres of rubber plantations.

A military column of around 120 soldiers moved from Pada-Setaw-Yar Pagoda toward Thaposae-Eain-Su village. Around 1 p.m., a joint resistance force launched a drone attack, dropping bombs on the advancing troops. In retaliation, the junta soldiers began torching homes and rubber plantations along their retreat route.

Key Statistics:

35+ civilian homes in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, were looted and stolen by junta forces.
50+ civilian homes across HURFOM’s targeted areas were estimated to have been looted by various junta forces.
24+ youths were detained and believed to have been forcibly conscripted into military training in Mon State.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Analysis, News