On August 5, 2024, a massacre occurred in Maungdaw, Rakhine State, where at least 200 Rohingya civilians were killed by drone and artillery attacks while they sought refuge on the banks of the Naf River. This attack targeted women and children fleeing violence from the Arakan Army (AA) and the Burmese military. The assault, which involved drones and artillery reportedly launched from AA-controlled areas, is part of a broader pattern of attacks by the AA on Rohingya villages, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

The 27 Rohingya organizations that issued a joint statement condemned these attacks as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. They criticized the indiscriminate nature of the violence and the use of drones, which, despite their precision capabilities, have contributed to significant civilian casualties.

The statement detailed a pattern of violence involving the AA’s drone strikes and the strategic targeting of Rohingya civilians amid ongoing conflicts with the Myanmar military. The AA’s attacks follow previous campaigns in the region and are accompanied by hate speech and attempts to blame the Myanmar military for their actions.

The organizations demanded that the AA cease its human rights violations, allow UN investigations, and ensure compliance with international humanitarian standards. They also called on the international community to apply pressure on the AA and the Myanmar military, provide humanitarian aid to affected areas, and support Bangladesh in aiding refugees.

Additionally, the statement urged the Bangladeshi government to offer immediate aid to new refugees and establish a humanitarian corridor into Rakhine State. The international community was called upon to address these atrocities, consider sanctions if necessary, and support efforts toward a peaceful and democratic resolution in Myanmar.