Summary

As of 30 September 2024, over three years since the military coup, a total of 106,409 civilian homes have been destroyed by arson attacks. Among these, 102,569 homes were destroyed by arson attacks attributed to the Myanmar military and its affiliates. In Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, the organizations responsible for the destruction of 3,840 civilian homes through arson in May 2024 have not yet been confirmed.

By region, Sagaing Region suffered the highest loss, with 73,974 homes destroyed, accounting for over 69% of the total civilian homes destroyed nationwide due to arson. Additionally, 29,696 civilian homes were destroyed by arson in Magway Region, Mandalay Region, Rakhine State, Chin State and Tanintharyi Region.

During the three-plus years since the military coup, armed clashes between the Myanmar military and resistance forces have intensified. The Myanmar military and its affiliates have carried out arson attacks in areas with a strong resistance presence. These attacks targeted villages that support resistance forces and the contested towns. In addition to direct arson attacks during military operations, civilian homes have also been burned down through artillery, airstrikes, and naval shelling.

The Myanmar military and its affiliates have destroyed 2,111 homes in 2021, 46,856 homes in 2022, 31,633 homes in 2023, and 25,809 homes (as of 30 September) in 2024. The most significant destruction occurred in December 2022, with 10,562 homes lost.

In the first half of 2024, arson incidents were notably higher in February, March, April, and May, resulting in the destruction of 17,647 homes. The majority of these incidents occurred in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Rakhine State, and Magway Region. More than 5,700 civilian homes were torched in Buthidaung Township of Rakhine State in April and May 2024.

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