AA detains ex-military officer in Ramree, several residents subsequently arrested by regime

17 Oct 2022

DMG Newsroom
17 October 2022, Ramree

The Myanmar military has arrested at least 12 residents in Arakan State’s Ramree Township following the Arakan Army’s detention of an ex-military officer on October 15, according to locals.

The regime-affiliated detainee has been identified as U Tun Kyi, a former captain of the Myanmar military, from No. 5 Laung Chaung Ward in Ramree town. Following his arrest, the military abducted U Kyaw Min Han, a 40-year-old car workshop owner, and his coworkers Ko Myo Aung Htet, 19, Ko Maung Maung, 35, and Ko Myo Min, 35.

In addition, at least 12 residents including three three-wheeled motorbike drivers ranging in age from 35 to 50, were arrested by the military, a local resident who did not wish to be named for security reasons told DMG.

“Around 20 junta soldiers detained at least 12 residents from Inntaung and Laung Chaung wards. We have identified seven people so far. We are investigating the rest,” the unnamed resident added.

Family members are worried about the safety of the detainees, whose whereabouts are still unclear, said another resident.

“They [junta soldiers] arrested all people on sight who live in the area where the ex-military officer was detained by the Arakan Army. All of the detainees have not been released and their whereabouts remain unknown,” the resident explained.

The military deployed drones for reconnaissance purposes over some hills near Inntaung Ward on October 16, according to locals.

“Some local youths in downtown Ramree have gone into hiding as they are concerned for their safety due to the military’s arrests of civilians. The military used reconnaissance drones and blocked off the route in front of the township police station. Several junta soldiers have been deployed at the police station,” said an unnamed resident from Ramree’s Tannarpyin Ward.

DMG phoned Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the military junta, regarding the matter, but he could not be reached.

The military detained several residents in Ramree town in September, but released all of those detainees a week later. At least 20 local men have reportedly gone into hiding as the military attempted to arrest some social activists in the township.