Stunning satellite images recently released by Human Rights Watch appear to show the Burma army continuing to wreak havoc on the Rohingya people, bulldozing villages in an apparent attempt to cover up evidence of mass atrocities. The government denies the claim, arguing they’re only trying to rebuild.
Faithwire spoke with American Christian missionary David Eubank of the Free Burma Rangers, who has been living there with his family for two decades. FBR is the organization the former military man founded decades ago and has been heading up ever since. Their focus is on medical assistance and other humanitarian relief in high conflict zones, which regularly puts him in dangerous combat zones.
Eubanks made headlines recently after he dramatically rescued a small Iraqi girl who was hiding under her dead mother during an ISIS assault on civilians in Mosul. You can see that rescue and their later reunion in this emotional video:
Eubank is back in Burma, and the situation there continues to worsen. Here’s a timeline of the vanishing villages, posted by Human Rights Watch Executive Directory Kenneth Roth:
New @HRW satellite imagery shows Burma bulldozing Rohingya villages, wiping away the evidence of its atrocities while impeding return of refugees. https://t.co/Y8XrcI1mjo pic.twitter.com/IXmEnyyAuh
— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) February 23, 2018
Six months ago the Burma army stepped up it’s persecution of the Rohingya, leading to a mass exodus of nearly 60% of their population so far. The Rohingya are a minority group that is denied basic rights such as citizenship, despite having roots traced back as far as the 8th century. They are already one of the most persecuted minorities in the entire world, but the latest round of attacks have caused over 600,000 have been forced to flee their homes (out of 1 million) and seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Bangladesh.
As Eubank explains in our interview, America’s ties with Burma run deep. The very first missionaries to leave America actually left to do ministry work in Burma. From background, to incredible stories of faith unfolding in the midst of crisis, this conversation will provide you not only with understanding, but some hope as well.
Eubank also lays out ways in which you can help the people suffering in this conflict. LISTEN: