In days after ceasefire in Myanmar’s north, fighting escalates in Arakan State

By Admin 15 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
15 January 2024, Sittwe

Fighting has escalated in Arakan State following the signing of a China-mediated ceasefire between the military regime and the Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State.

The Arakan Army (AA) is currently attacking junta positions in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Pauktaw and Rathedaung townships, and the regime is defending with air and artillery support as well as using warships.

Fighting has been raging in Minbya town since the AA attacked junta Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 377, 380 and 541 there on January 10.

“The bombardment by the regime has become more intense lately. There was continuous gunfire,” said a Minbya resident.

Fighting is also intense in Kyauktaw Township. The AA has seized the base of the junta’s No. 377 artillery battalion on Mount Kan Sauk, and is attacking Light Infantry Battalion No. 539.

Thousands of residents from over 20 villages nearby have been forced to flee their homes.

“The regime is conducting air and artillery strikes targeting civilian villages. There are civilian casualties and damage to houses every day,” said a Kyauktaw resident.

The regime has been shelling day and night lately as the fighting intensifies, according to Arakan State residents. The regime has increasingly relied on airstrikes as it can’t send reinforcements for its ground troops in Arakan State.

According to Enemy Air Route, a group that monitors junta air attacks, the regime currently carries out at least 10 airstrikes in Arakan State a day.

Twelve civilians were killed and 23 others were injured by junta air and artillery strikes in Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya and Mrauk-U townships between January 12 and 14.

“The regime has targeted the lives and property of civilians as it can’t defeat its enemy. It has been blatantly committing war crimes such as killing civilians and torching villages,” said a human rights activist from Arakan State.

Military tensions are also running high in Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Myebon, Ann, Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Manaung, Taungup, Gwa and Thandwe townships. The regime has been reinforcing its positions in towns, and is using its Navy to bring in reinforcements, weapons and food supplies.

Renewed fighting broke out in Arakan State and Paletwa in the second week of November. The AA has claimed to have effectively taken control of all of Paletwa Township, and has occupied much of rural Arakan State. It is now attacking junta positions in Arakan State towns.

“Two other members of the Brotherhood Alliance [the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army] have got what they want in northern Shan State. 

And China has mediated a ceasefire. But the AA has not yet achieved its targets. So, fighting will continue to escalate,” said Arakanese politician U Aung Thaung Shwe.

More than 300,000 people have been displaced by the fighting since November. They urgently need food, medicine, shelter, but the junta’s travel restrictions have effectively barred international aid agencies and domestic charities from providing relief supplies to displaced people.