A local farmer in Dawei stepped on a landmine while on his way to his farm and subsequently lost his leg to amputation, highlighting the severe and escalating risk of landmines in Tanintharyi Region due to ongoing conflict.

The victim who stepped on the mine is Aung Min Oo, a resident of Taung Thone Lone Village, Dawei, aged over 40.

A source close to the family stated that the incident occurred on November 17 while he was on his way back from his garden farm, located west of the Chinese Cemetery in Kyauk Me Taung Village.

“People who chop wood have been clearing the forest right in front (of the area), and nothing happened to them. So, he was on his way home, and it happened on the road. The road is wide enough for even a Vigo pickup truck to drive through,” he said.

The source added that Aung Min Oo is currently receiving treatment at Dawei Hospital, and the leg that stepped on the mine had to be amputated below the knee.

The Eastern Dawei part is an area experiencing intense armed conflict. Local people are frequently killed or injured after stepping on landmines planted on paths leading to their garden farms.

Across the Tanintharyi Region, landmines are increasingly found on roads used by the public, in garden farms, paddy fields, and even near villages, significantly increasing the danger of residents stepping on them.