Military-AA hostilities displace civilians in Thandwe

By Admin 13 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 May 2024, Thandwe

Some local residents in Thandwe Township, Arakan State, have reportedly fled to mainland Myanmar including Yangon due to fierce fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) in recent days.

Fighting broke out between junta troops and the AA on April 13 near Yay Sin Village in Thandwe Township. Clashes have since intensified, spreading across northern Thandwe. Local people fled to safer locations due to the possibility of fighting.

“Some wealthy people fled to the mainland, including Yangon, due to ongoing fighting. The number of people fleeing in fear due to the possibility of fighting in downtown Thandwe has been on the rise,” said a local resident in Thandwe.

As the military regime has blocked all roads to Thandwe, people are fleeing by air. Due to the large number of people fleeing Thandwe, residents said that they would not be able to buy air tickets until May 23.

“People in Thandwe are fleeing by air on a daily basis. I think about 1,000 left Thandwe, but the majority of local people remain in downtown Thandwe. The number of people fleeing Thandwe may increase if the fighting intensifies,” said another resident in Thandwe.

The AA is stepping up assaults on the junta in Thandwe Township and the Myanmar military has been providing air and artillery support for its ground troops in the area, locals said.

Artillery shells fired by the military and bombs dropped by the junta jet fighters have fallen in residential areas during the fighting.