AA bans nighttime fishing off Thandwe and Gwa on security grounds

By Admin 20 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

20 October 2025, Thandwe

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has announced an open-ended ban on nighttime fishing from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in coastal waters near Thandwe and Gwa, effective October 19.

The ULA said it had previously allowed unrestricted fishing hours to help coastal residents—many of whom rely on fishing for their livelihoods—cope with wartime hardships and support their families. However, it now assesses that such latitude has enabled junta naval forces to use fishing boats as cover for operations and to move more freely at sea.

For that reason, and “with public safety foremost in mind,” the ULA/AA said it was imposing a ban without a set end date on all nighttime fishing in the designated areas.

The ULA instructed all fishers not to go to sea at night off Thandwe and Gwa starting October 19, and to continue observing the ban until it is officially lifted.

A woman from Gwa said: “Night fishing raises security concerns for fishers. If navy boats approach unexpectedly, people can be arrested. This ban makes things safer.”

The ULA also advised that those fishing during daylight hours should avoid distant offshore waters and, if junta naval vessels are sighted, immediately head for the nearest shoreline.

Locals say the measure could reduce arrests of fishers, which have become more common during nighttime sorties.

A man from Thandwe added: “This announcement significantly improves local security. If boats kept going out at all hours, the military could use them as cover to enter the area. Fishers could be used as human shields or intimidated. With recent arrests already happening, setting time limits should reduce these problems to some extent.”

According to the ULA, junta naval activity and aerial surveillance have increased in waters off Thandwe and Gwa in recent days, with patrol aircraft flying more frequent circuits over the towns.

The ULA also accused junta naval vessels operating in Arakan waters of shelling local fishing boats, and of arresting and killing fishers at sea.

Residents report that along the coastline of Thandwe, Gwa, Ramree, Pauktaw, and Maungdaw—townships under AA control—there has been a buildup and heightened movement of junta navy vessels in recent days.