Junta reopens Ann-Minbu road to traffic

By Admin 23 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
23 May 2024, Ann

The regime has reopened the Ann-Minbu road, linking Arakan State with mainland Myanmar, to traffic since May 16, according to local people.

The junta has blockaded the Ann-Sittwe, Ann-Tettaung, Ann-Maei, and Ann-Minbu road sections in Ann Township, but the Ann-Minbu road has been reopened since May 16, said a local resident in Ann.

“The junta has blocked all routes to Ann. The junta reopened the Ann-Minbu road on May 16 and the remaining roads are still closed,” the Ann resident added.

The regime had been using roads linking Ann with Magwe for military purposes, prompting the AA to block the Ann-Padan road section for an indefinite period starting from April 2. The regime has reopened the Ann-Minbu road, but there remain restrictions and strict interrogations, another resident said.

“People are allowed to travel only if they have medical records and recommendation letters endorsed by respective ward or village administrators. People are also allowed to take a limited amount of goods. Junta soldiers conduct strict interrogations on travellers,” the resident explained.

Fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) resumed on May 19 after about a two-week pause and the AA’s seizure of Buthidaung Town. No clash has been reported since then, according to locals.

“We don’t hear the gunfire, but we don’t know when the fighting will resume. We are worried that the fighting will escalate,” said a local woman in Ann.

It has been two months since the military clashed with the AA in Ann Township on March 24.