A/HRC/39/CRP.2 The insignia of the Western Command 33rd and 99th Light Infantry Divisions (LIDs) 1250. On 11 August 2017, battalions of the Tatmadaw’s 33 rd and 99th LIDs, including more than 1,600 soldiers normally based outside Rakhine State, were airlifted into Rakhine State. From Sittwe, it was reported in the national media that these troops were going to northern Rakhine State to carry out “area clearance”.2809 1251. The LIDs are considered the most battle-hardened and experienced units within the Tatmadaw. They are often deployed as the main strike force of an operation and directed for use in counter-insurgency operations against non-State armed groups. Allegations of serious human rights violations have been levelled against them, and in particular the 33 rd and 99th LIDs, in the context of other operations, including in Kachin and Shan States.2810 The insignia of the 33rd LID The insignia of the 99th LID 1252. Following the arrival of the LIDs in northern Rakhine State, during the two weeks prior to the commencement of the “clearance operations”, there were numerous instances of violations being perpetrated by them, including theft, extortion and violent beatings, and even killings. Officers from the LIDs also actively participated in meetings in which Rohingya were threatened, which included death threats. 1253. During the “clearance operations”, the LIDs played an instrumental role in some of the gravest mass killings verified by the Mission. It appears that 99 th LID was predominantly operational in northern Maungdaw Township. 2811 In Min Gyi, the soldiers of the 99th LID played a central role in both the mass killings and gang rape of Rohingya villagers. It appears that the same soldiers may have been involved in the previous day’s attack in Dial Toli, which also caused significant casualties. The 99th LID reportedly remained in Min Gyi until at least November 2017.2812 1254. After deployment to Rakhine State, the 33rd LID appears to have primarily operated in southern Maungdaw Township and Rathedaung Township. Facebook posts reveal their 2809 2810 2811 2812 E.g., The Irrawaddy, “Myanmar Army Deployed in Maungdaw” (11 August 2017). V-133; also e.g. Amnesty International, All the civilians suffer: Conflict, displacement and abuse in Northern Myanmar (2017). XM-008, V-067, V-239. XM-008, V-239. 309