Arakan Army Blamed for Devastating Fires in Rohingya Town

A brutal attack on May 17 set the town of Buthidaung, a Rohingya settlement in Myanmar, ablaze, leaving many homeless and at least 45 dead. U.N. and Reuters investigations suggest the Arakan Army was responsible for the fires, contradicting claims of a junta airstrike. The conflict, rooted in long-standing ethnic tensions, has seen forced conscriptions and violent reprisals from both sides.

In the early hours of May 17, the town of Buthidaung in Myanmar was engulfed in flames as a brutal assault left many homeless. Initial reports estimate at least 45 Rohingya died in the attack, believed to be orchestrated by the Arakan Army.

Interviews and satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters indicate the Arakan Army, an ethnic militia group, was behind the fires, refuting claims that they were caused by a junta airstrike. Residents reported seeing soldiers armed with petrol-soaked sticks setting buildings ablaze.

The U.N.'s findings support these allegations, marking the first time the organization has indicated responsibility for the attack. The Arakan Army has denied involvement, while international watchdogs accuse both sides of human rights abuses as the conflict intensifies.

(With inputs from agencies.)