Locals flee from homes in Myebon because of fierce battles

By Aung Htein 26 Sep 2019

Aung Htein | DMG
September 26, Sittwe

More than 200 people from three villages in Myebon Township, have fled their homes because of fighting between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA).

Administrator U Tun Pe said that more than 260 people from Yoe Sa Nwin, Din Gar Ya and Nat La villages arrived in his village of Taung Gyi Yin on September 21.

“We made arrangements for them to stay in houses in the village and also to provide them with food. We have given two portions of rice (condensed milk tin) for each person. They finished the rice today so we will have to provide more rice tomorrow,” U Tun Pe said.

He added that they plan to build a camp for those who have arrived in his village. But, he warned it will be difficult to provide shelter if more people arrive.

Both Tatmadaw and AA have confirmed strong fighting in Myebon between September 21 and 26. The Tatmadaw used helicopters during the battle.

U Sein Than Maung said that they fled to Taung Gyi Yin village because they were worried that artillery shells would fall in their village.

“We are staying in the house of a relative here. Currently, people in the village are helping by providing us with food. But we are finding it difficult when three or four families have to stay together in a house,” he said.

According to the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC), over 65,000 people have been displaced by fighting between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA). However, the number of refugees has been increasing each day.

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