A significant number of civilian casualties in the ongoing military conflict are women and children, with the primary causes being mortar shells, drones, mines, and airstrikes, according to a report by Data For Myanmar.
The increase in civilian casualties highlights a failure to adhere to the rules of war, a lack of distinction between civilians and combatants, and insufficient efforts to prevent harm to civilians, the report noted.
Data For Myanmar’s August 28 report stated that 95% of civilian deaths were caused by deliberate targeting, as well as by explosive weapons like mortar shells, drones, mines, and airstrikes that strike from a distance.
“In the chaos of battle, they indiscriminately fire without knowing if the target is an enemy or not, resulting in civilian casualties. Such incidents are becoming more frequent. Additionally, airstrikes and drone attacks have increased. A single bomb dropped from the air can devastate an entire neighborhood. Landmines are another issue. We don’t know when or where they were planted, and there are no efforts to clear them. When they go off, no one knows who planted them or who will take responsibility. Both the military and armed groups are involved in these actions,” a human rights activist stated.
The activist emphasized that armed groups have a greater responsibility to protect civilians and should prioritize reducing civilian casualties during the conflict.
Due to these conditions, Data For Myanmar warned that civilians in conflict zones should prepare in advance and seek shelter in safer places like schools, temples, monasteries, and shelters.
