Junta reinforcing positions in Arakan State despite ceasefire, AA spokesman and locals say

By DMG 24 Dec 2022

DMG Newsroom
24 December 2022, Sittwe

The Arakan Army (AA) is monitoring junta troop movements closely, AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha told DMG, saying the regime is taking advantage of the lull in fighting to reinforce its positions in Arakan State, AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha told DMG.

“The Myanmar military is sending food supplies to its bases, and reinforcing weapons. We are monitoring closely,” he said.

Local sources say the Myanmar military has been transporting weapons and ammunition from Magway Region to Ann Township, Arakan State, where the military’s Western Command is headquartered.

“They have reinforced troops and weapons in Kazu Kaing,” said a resident of Ann Township. “One time, I saw 12 military vehicles transporting weapons and ammunition and food supplies. Another time, I saw 14 trucks full of soldiers. Those vehicles came from Magwe, and stayed in Ann for a week, before they proceeded to other parts of Arakan State.”

Between December 2-7, at least 11 Myanmar Navy vessels reportedly transported food supplies and military equipment from Sittwe to Light Infantry Battalion No. 379 in Minbya.

Three Navy vessels also transported food supplies from Sittwe to the 9th Military Operations Command in Kyauktaw on December 8, and two more Navy vessels delivered food supplies to junta troops stationed in Kyauktaw Township’s Tinma Village on December 9, according to local sources.

Five military trucks from Light Infantry Battalion No. 377, based in Mrauk-U, also transported food supplies to Pan Myaung in Minbya Township on December 11, according to a resident of Sin Oh Village.

After months of fighting that began in earnest in August, the AA observed an informal ceasefire with the Myanmar military in late November on humanitarian grounds, as junta travel restrictions took a heavy toll on local people.

Political observers have warned that junta reinforcements could result in fresh fighting between the two sides.

“Fighting will break out again if the regime continues to do so in Arakan,” said political observer U Than Soe Naing. “The AA has observed a temporary truce because it is the rice harvest now, and for the sake of internally displaced people who badly need relief supplies.”

Locals too are concerned about the potential for more clashes due to junta reinforcements of troops and supplies in the aftermath of the November 26 ceasefire.

DMG was unable to obtain comment on the matter from junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun and Arakan State Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Kyaw Thura.