Gunfire reported in Taungup

By Admin 08 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 August 2024, Taungup

Locals in Taungup, Arakan State, reported hearing gunfire at about 9 p.m. on August 7 and there were artillery shellings into the scene of the gunfire on Thursday morning.

The gunfire was reported near Natmaw and Zeekaing villages on the outskirts of Taungup Town, and locals are worried about their safety in the aftermath.

"We heard multiple firings last night. I didn't know exactly whether it was a skirmish between the military and the Arakkha Army (AA) or not. We also heard the sound of gunfire at around 3 p.m. on Thursday," said a resident of Taungup.

DMG continues to attempt to contact officials from the military and the AA to determine whether the shooting was a battle between the two sides, and has yet to independently confirm the reports.

Taungup residents are worried and fear that the fighting between the two sides will intensify.

"There are reports that it was a clash between the military and AA, but I don't know exactly. Local people are worried about their safety and didn't send their children to school. All the locals are vigilant about the fighting," said another resident of Taungup.

A clash between the military and the AA erupted near Taungup's Chaungkauk Ward on June 15. Most residents in Taungup were trapped by the fighting, unable to flee their homes due to junta blockades following the clash.

Taungup Town is currently besieged by the AA and the military tensions between the two sides are running high.

The regime has sent armed Muslim men to Taungup and junta soldiers have been deployed across the town and blocked off the entries and exits for even locals, according to residents.