AA bans sea travel off Thandwe, Gwa coasts as junta reinforces

By Admin 02 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
2 August 2024, Thandwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) has banned sea travel around Thandwe and neighbouring Gwa townships for an indefinite period as of August 1, saying Myanmar’s military regime is using civilian vessels to reinforce its positions.

The junta has been using civilian boats to bring in reinforcements, food supplies, weapons and ammunition by sea, the AA said as it warned civilians not to travel in the waters offshore of the two townships.

The AA also told civilian boats not to cooperate with or allow themselves to be coerced by the regime.

Residents were told to inform local AA administrators and commanders in advance if they need to travel for an emergency, and that they would only be allowed to travel on routes predetermined by the AA. Residents were also told to expect checks at AA checkpoints.

“Residents must follow the AA’s instruction to avoid getting wrongly shot in the fighting,” said a Thandwe resident.

The regime has been sending reinforcements to retake Thandwe Town, according to the AA. It said it has had sporadic clashes with junta soldiers disguised as civilians and looting houses in Thandwe Town as well as small groups of fleeing junta soldiers in Mya Pyin, Jeik Taw and Kwin Wyne villages.

The AA is currently focused on attacking the junta’s Maung Shwe Lay naval base in Thandwe Township. Fighting is escalating along Ngapali Beach as the regime attempts to retake lost positions with the support of its warships deployed in the Bay of Bengal.

“Fighting is taking place daily in Thandwe,” said a Thandwe resident.

The AA said it would also attack junta positions in neighbouring Gwa and Taungup townships, where many residents have already fled their homes in fear of potentially looming hostilities.