Junta erecting fence to defend against AA in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 21 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 September 2024, Kyaukphyu

The regime has been fencing off the riverfront area in downtown Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, for security reasons, according to residents.

The regime plans to fence off the area from Ngalapwe Ward to Ginechein Village and has begun erecting the fence in some places, said a source close to the General Administration Department (GAD).

"Some junta staff employees already knew that the regime would fence off the riverfront area in Kyaukphyu. The regime is erecting the fencing in Kyaukphyu to defend against anticipated Arakkha Army attacks. The regime has begun works for erecting the fence in some places," the source added.

Kyaukphyu is a district-level island town located along the Bay of Bengal, surrounded by rivers and streams.

Residents said that the fence to be built could also be intended to lock in the urban population living along the riverbank in Kyaukphyu.

"The regime has built military bases along the land leading into and out of Kyaukphyu, as well as planted landmines. The regime also fenced off the sea exit, meaning that there is no way out for the locals. In other words, the plan is to lock up the locals, so I'm quite worried," said a young man in Kyaukphyu.

The regime has blocked off all entries and exits to Kyaukphyu since November 2023. However, due to the military tensions in the region, some local residents have managed to leave the island town in various ways.

The grassroots are worried that if the fence is built, there will be difficulties for those who earn their living by fishing on the banks of rivers and streams.

"In the past, I thought that no matter how much the regime blocked Kyaukphyu, it could be accessed by sea. The regime will now build a fence, so it will be very difficult for the residents to leave Kyaukphyu," said a local woman in Kyaukphyu.

At least four Myanmar Navy vessels travel along the Thanzit River daily and security has been tightened.

Last month, the regime erected a fence along the waterfront area in front of the junta's naval base in Sittwe.

Tensions between the military and Arakkha Army are running high, and the AA has surrounded the Danyawadi naval base and the No. 32 police battalion in Kyaukphyu.