Buthidaung Township, Arakan State: An investigation from The Daily East into violence in Buthidaung Township in Myanmar’s Arakan State has documented the deaths of more than 66 Rohingya civilians and detention of seven people in custody during a series of drone attacks and armed assaults between 30 March and 17 May 2024 by the Arakan Army.

The attacks targeted Rohingya villagers from Nga Kyi Dauk and neighboring communities, many of whom were attempting to flee to safety when they were struck by aerial bombings, gunfire and alleged extrajudicial killings.

The Daily East investigation compiled testimonies from survivors, families of the deceased, and displaced residents, with supporting documentation contributed by the Nga Kyi Dauk community committee.

30 March 2024: Arakan Army Attacked Nga Kyi Dauk Village with Drone Bombing

The first recorded incident occurred on 30 March 2024, when drones reportedly dropped explosives over Nga Kyi Dauk village. According to survivors and eyewitnesses, the aerial attack struck residential areas, killing five villagers, including women and children and injuring several others. Those confirmed dead were:

1. Mohammed Saber, 35
2. Mojura Begum, 30
3. Faisal, 8
4. Mohammed Sajed, 4
5. Mohammed Isa, 17

Residents described panic spreading through the village immediately after the explosions. Fearing further attacks, most fled to nearby Taming Chaung village, seeking safety.

However, concerned about their homes and belongings, many families adopted a risky routine: one male member from each household would return to Nga Kyi Dauk during the day to check on property and livestock before returning to the refuge village at night.

14 May 2024: Arrest and Killing of Villagers

A second major incident occurred on 14 May 2024, approximately six weeks after the initial drone attack. According to a Daily East investigation, a group of men and youths returning from Nga Kyi Dauk toward Taming Chaung were reportedly intercepted along the road between the two villages. Witnesses and family members said that 14 civilians were arrested and later killed by the Arakan Army.

The victims, described as farmers and teenagers, were attempting to return to the refuge village after checking on their homes and property. Survivors reported that the killings were carried out in broad daylight, creating fear among those still trying to move safely between the villages.

We ran toward the fields when the explosions started. People were screaming and trying to save their children,” said one survivor from Nga Kyi Dauk who later fled to Taming Chaung".

15 May 2024: Drone and Gunfire Attack in the Paddy Fields

On 15 May 2024, villagers attempting to avoid the main road were reportedly ambushed while moving through paddy fields near Nga Kyi Dauk. According to a Daily East investigation, fighters from the Arakan Army reportedly surrounded the group and launched attacks using drones and gunfire. The assault killed 18 residents of Nga Kyi Dauk and 19 from neighboring Karuk Chaung village, many of whom were relocating with their families for safety.

Victims included elderly villagers and young children, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack. Survivors reported that several people were severely injured, while some were captured and taken to nearby military camps, where they were allegedly detained without adequate food and subjected to torture. Witnesses said the attack occurred as families were attempting to flee, further increasing panic and fear among the fleeing villagers.

17 May 2024: Attack on Taming Chaung Refuge Village

On 17 May 2024, Taming Chaung village, where many Nga Kyi Dauk residents had taken refuge, was reportedly surrounded by armed members from the Arakan Army. According to a Daily East investigation, drones dropped explosives over the village while gunfire erupted from multiple directions, creating widespread panic among both displaced Rohingya and local residents.

The assault killed 8 Rohingya civilians and injured many others, including women, children, and elderly villagers. Survivors reported that after the initial attack, members of the Arakan Army arrested nine Rohingya residents and later took them into custody, accusing them of involvement with other militant groups.

Some of those taken were reportedly tortured and two confirmed dead in the custody of the Arakan Army. A 14-year-old child, Rashid Alam, was reported missing following the attack on the village by the Arakan Army.

Background of Nga Kyi Dauk Village

Nga Kyi Dauk is a village located in the northwest of Buthidaung Township. It is surrounded by two military camps, 353 and 535, to the south, and Chakma villages on the other three sides.

The residents of Nga Kyi Dauk are mostly farmers, with a few running small shops in the village market. The villagers have traditionally lived in cooperation with both the nearby Chakma communities and the Myanmar military.

Methodology

The information in this report was collected through interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, villagers, families of the deceased, and displaced persons. To ensure accuracy, multiple individuals were interviewed about each event and their accounts were cross-checked to confirm consistency.

The investigation includes lists of victims, photos, dates of death, and supporting evidence, including testimonies and video interviews collected from the affected communities.

Key Findings of the Investigation

The Daily East investigation into violence in Nga Kyi Dauk and surrounding villages in Buthidaung Township between 30 March and 17 May 2024 identified a pattern of repeated attacks on Rohingya civilians. Based on survivor testimonies, community documentation, and cross-checked evidence, the investigation found the following:

• Multiple drone attacks targeted civilian areas, including residential parts of Nga Kyi Dauk village and refuge areas in Taming Chaung.

• Villagers attempting to flee or relocate were repeatedly attacked, including a large group ambushed in nearby paddy fields on 15 May 2024.

• At least 66 Rohingya civilians were killed across four major incidents documented during the investigation.

• Children and elderly residents were among the victims, with nearly half of those killed reported to be under the age of 18.

• Civilians were reportedly arrested and executed, including 14 villagers detained and killed on 14 May 2024.

• Several individuals were detained and taken into custody, with reports that some were tortured and at least two died while in detention.

• At least one child remains missing following the attacks.

• The violence forced large numbers of villagers to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby communities such as Taming Chaung.

The investigation documented 74 individuals affected, including 66 confirmed deaths, seven detentions, and one missing person, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact on Rohingya communities in the affected areas.

Casualty Overview

According to The Daily East investigation;

• 5 civilians were killed in the drone bombing of Nga Kyi Dauk on 30 March 2024
• 14 villagers were reportedly arrested and killed on 14 May 2024 between Nga Kyi Dauk and Taming Chaung village
• 37 civilians from Nga Kyi Dauk and Karuk Chaung were killed in the drone and gunfire attack on 15 May 2024
• Another 8 civilians were killed in an attack on Taming Chaung village on 17 May 2024 and a child missing
• 9 civilians were arrested and 2 of them were confirmed dead in Arakan Army’s custody from the attack on Taming Chaung on 17 May 2024

In total, the investigation lists 74 individuals affected, including:

• 66 confirmed dead
• 7 detained in AA’s custody
• 1 person reported missing

Documented Victims of Attacks in Nga Kyi Dauk, Taming Chaung and Karuk Chaung Villages

Compiled from survivor testimonies and families of victims, gathered during the Daily East investigation

Nga Kyi Dauk Village

Victims of the 30 March 2024 Drone Bombing

1. Mohammed Saber, 35
2. Mojura Begum, 30
3. Faisal, 8
4. Mohammed Sajed, 4
5. Mohammed Isa, 17

Victims Arrested and Killed on 14 May 2024

1. Mohammed Nur, 41
2. Hamid Ullah, 9
3. Hairul Amin, 25
4. Mohammed Nojib, 35
5. Islam, 25
6. Redowan, 22
7. Nur Islam, 45
8. Boshir Ullah, 25
9. Habes Ahmed, 55
10. Zahid Alam, 17
11. Shobbir Alam, 12
12. Shofi, 21
13. Md Taker, 28
14. Rashed Alam, Age unknown

Victims Killed in Drone and Gunfire Attack in Paddy Fields (15 May 2024)

1. Shor Ali, 50
2. Shofi Ullah, 10
3. Zohur Alam, 25
4. Mohammed Rashid, 77
5. Nojuma, 11
6. Mohammed Sayed, 50
7. Hamid Ullah, 20
8. Sayed Nur, 52
9. Rafique, 42
10. Foyazul Islam, 19
11. Shofi Ullah, 55
12. Ayub Khan, 25
13. Akram Ullah, 45
14. Shobi Ron, 67
15. Nabi Huson, 13
16. Junaid, 28
17. Mohammed Shah, 7
18. Jea Boddin, 17
19. Zahid Huson, 60
20. Osmida

Karuk Chaung Village

(Villagers killed while relocating for safety on 15 May 2024)

1. Nur Mohammed, 60
2. Nuru Jaan, 55
3. Raju, 2
4. Rohim Ulla, 25
5. Shofi Ullah, 20
6. Azirahman, 13
7. Nurul Amin, 25
8. Amin, 60
9. Mabu, 40
10. Rahmat Ullah, 35
11. Abu Bokkor, 20
12. Imran, 30
13. Mohammed Rashid, 60
14. Sodul Amin, Age unknown
15. Komura, 13
16. Nur Hakim, 25

Victims of the Attack on Taming Chaung (17 May 2024)

1. Shuku Tara, 25
2. Mabiya, 79
3. Lalu, 45
4. Laila, 45
5. Jannat Ara, 13
6. Koser, 14

Additional Victims Reported After Displacement

1. Hamida, 32
2. Sufaira, 7

Missing Person

1. Rashid Alam, 14 - Reported missing after the 17 May 2024 attack on Taming Chaung village.

Individuals Arrested and Taken into Custody

1. Nabi Huson, 35
2. Mohammed Ayas, 16
3. Mohammed Ayas, 17
4. Mohammed Zubair, 16
5. Hamid Ullah, 16 — Died in custody
6. Shobullah, 20
7. Ashek Ulla, 22
8. Mohammed Harun, 25
9. Anayet Ullah, 15
10. Mohammed Zubair, 14 — Died in custody

Summary

Total individuals documented in the investigation:

• 66 civilians confirmed dead
• 7 individuals detained in custody
• 1 person reported missing

Nearly half of the victims were under the age of 18, reflecting the severe impact of the attacks on children and young people in the affected communities.

Names and details were compiled from community records, survivor testimonies, and family documentation collected during The Daily East investigation.

Continuing Humanitarian Concerns

Since the indiscriminate attacks on the villagers in Nga Kyi Dauk, Karuk Chaung and Taming Chaung, Arakan Army killed nearly a hundred Rohingya, many in detention of AA’s custody, many were endured severe injuries and some are missing. As of the latest updates, there’s no villagers anymore in these villages after enduring the brutal attacks of Arakan Army targeted Rohingya civilians which includes nearly half of them are children under age 18.

Some people who survived these attacks managed to flee from the area and take refuge in the largest Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.