Junta bolsters security in Sittwe

By Admin 03 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom 3
September 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar's military regime has beefed up security in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, following a clash with the Arakkha Army (AA) in rural Sittwe on August 30, according to residents.

The AA ambushed a junta naval boat in the creek near Kankaw Kyun Village in Sittwe Township on August 30, resulting in a clash that lasted nearly three hours. The regime subsequently set up five new bases along the road from Kankaw Kyun to the Sittwe-based regional operations command.

"They have built bases at entrances to villages including at a high school," said a resident.

The regime has also reportedly planted naval mines in the creek near Kankaw Kyun Village, and along the creek's banks.

The regime also started night patrols in the creek, which flows through Sittwe, and has also stepped up routine patrols.

"They have deployed several perimeter guards. They also carry out more patrols in and around the town," said another resident.

AA forces fired improvised rockets at the Sittwe regional operations command on August 31.

"The AA seized weapons from junta soldiers in their attack on the naval boat. It has carried out two or three rocket attacks against the regional operations command," said a source.

Sittwe residents said they saw four dead bodies drifting in the sea at Sittwe Port following the clashes.

Sittwe, the seat of the regime's administration in Arakan State, is also one of the junta's last footholds in Arakan State.

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

Many residents have fled Sittwe Town but others remain, either trapped by financial or other circumstances, or choosing to stay for various reasons.