War Crime Accusations: Mrauk-U Museum Shelled by Junta

via various sources, 26 December 2023: The National Unity Government of Myanmar has condemned the attack on the Mrauk-U archaeological museum by junta troops, labeling it a violation of the Geneva Convention and a war crime. This assault not only damages a repository of Rakhine State’s historical and cultural legacy, including ancient stone inscriptions, but also violates Myanmar’s own Protection and Preservation of Ancient Monuments Act. The museum, a key site for understanding the region’s four historical kingdoms, stands as a significant part of Rakhine’s cultural identity.

The Myanmar military is pounding civilian areas and historic sites in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State with artillery and airstrikes after the Arakan Army (AA) seized a police station and military outpost in the township, according to residents and AA sources.

The AA seized Ngwe Taung Pauk police station at around 4 am on Sunday, followed by Thutaw Ma hilltop outpost on Monday.

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“Mrauk-U Archaeological Museum, which houses many ancient and cultural artifacts, was destroyed by shells fired by the junta’s Light Infantry Battalions 540 and 377 on Monday,” said AA.

Source: Myanmar Military Bombards Civilians, Heritage in Mrauk-U as AA Advances

See also:

• Mrauk-U archaeological museum assault violates Geneva Convention: NUG | Narinjara, 26 December 2023
• Arakan Army seizes district police station in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State | Myanmar Now, 27 Dec 2023
• AA successfully captures Mrauk-U district police station | Narinjara, 27 Dec 2023
• AA Seizes Mrauk-U Police Station as Myanmar Junta Pounds Rakhine Heritage, Civilians | The Irrawady, 28 Dec 2023