Four villages in Ann, Myebon face more extreme junta blockade

By Admin 20 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
20 December 2023, Ann

Junta troops have blockaded Kazu Kaing, Jeit Chaung and Swe Chaung villages in Ann Township and Lithon village in Myebon Township, according to residents.

Junta troops blockaded Lithon Village after they clashed with the Arakan Army (AA) on December 13 near Sanyin Village in Myebon Township.

Lithon Village has more than 100 households with a population of more than 500 people. Locals are facing food shortages.

“We can’t leave the village. Junta soldiers fire shots at villagers who attempt to leave the village. We don’t have much food left, and we are starving,” said a resident.

Meanwhile, around 1,000 residents are also trapped in Kazu Kaing, Jeit Chaung and Swe Chaung villages in Ann Township. Junta troops have threatened to shoot anyone who attempts to enter those villages.

Residents from those three villages fled their homes when junta troops from Mt. Taw Hein fired artillery at nearby villages on December 13. Junta troops subsequently raided those villages, and some 1,000 residents could not leave and have been trapped ever since, according to those who fled.

“There are people still trapped in the town. Junta troops have blockaded the village and people can’t enter or leave the village. There are not many food supplies left in the village. Food supplies might have run out at this point,” said a resident who fled from Kazu Kaing village.

One Ann town resident said: “People from those areas have lost access to phone and mobile internet services. We can’t get contact with those trapped in those villages.”

Myanmar’s military regime has blockaded roads and waterways since renewed fighting broke out on November 13, resulting in widespread food shortages.