AA Rejects False Claims of a Massacre of 600 in Htan Shauk Khan, Buthidaung

New Analysis

GAN                                                         August 11, 2025

Khaing Thu Kha, Spokesperson of the ULA/AA

The widespread accusations of a massacre in Htan Shauk Khan, Buthidaung, alleged by activists such as Nay San Lwin and reported by reputable media outlets like Al Jazeera on August 10, were rejected by the ULA/AA spokesperson during the 10th Press Briefing today.

To ensure observers can access the original text, the GAN has provided a full translation as follows

“These accusations are baseless fabrications made by self-interested individuals, as they often do. They are merely malicious rumors and misinformation. However, we have also observed that international news agencies and human rights organizations are amplifying this fabricated propaganda. Some have even published reports based on these claims.

The incident in question occurred around May 2024. To clarify what happened in Htan Shauk Khan village, during the Buthidaung battle, the enemy abandoned the Buthidaung Military Operations Command (MOC) 15 and retreated to Htan Shauk Khan village. There, the military council attempted to fortify their position to resist our forces, the AA. In response, we surrounded and blockaded the village from all sides, aiming to neutralize them.

The battle in Htan Shauk Khan village lasted approximately three days and was intense. During this time, the terrorist military council suffered at least around 200 casualties. As a result, the area was littered with bodies. Some of these bodies, around 20 to 30, were buried by the military council, while others—approximately 50 to 100—were left scattered and unburied.

Recent Report by Al Jazeera (photoscreenshot)

When examining these accusations, please closely inspect the photographs. The helmets, boots, and skeletal remains of the bodies serve as evidence. The images being used in these accusations depict the bodies of military council soldiers who perished, not civilians.

According to our records, based on 2017 data, Htan Shauk Khan village had a total population of 993 people. When we recently consulted the village leader, they reported a population of 910. During the conflict, we instructed the villagers to evacuate for their safety. After resettling them in the new Htan Shauk Khan village, the current population is 719.

When we asked the village leader why the population had decreased, they explained that some villagers fled to refugee camps in Bangladesh, others to Yangon, and some to Malaysia. Therefore, the claim that the ULA/AA massacred around 600 villagers is entirely false. The current population of the village is 719 people.

If journalists wish to visit the village to investigate, we are prepared to arrange this, depending on the security situation.”

Translation ends here.