Military tightens security in Maungdaw Twsp after clashes with Arakan Army

By DMG 09 Feb 2022

DMG Newsroom
9 February 2022, Maungdaw 

The Myanmar military has tightened security along some roads in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, following renewed fighting between junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA), according to locals. 

The military on February 9 tightened security near the scene of fighting and in villages such as Ngan Chaung and Kyet Yoe Pyin, and at Yaykyaw Bridge, as well as conducting interrogations of passenger vehicles, locals said. 

“Border Guard Force members and junta soldiers were deployed near Kyein Chaung village and the scene of fighting. The mountain roads are also heavily guarded by security personnel,” a driver plying a route between Maungdaw town and some villages in northern Maungdaw Township told DMG. 

In addition, locals told DMG that the military was equipped with heavy artillery on the western hill adjacent to Mingalar Nyunt village in Maungdaw Township. 

Some drivers are reportedly out of work due to fears that locals may be endangered on Maungdaw Township’s roads due to the tightened security by the Myanmar military.  

“Some drivers halted operations. Drivers are transporting passengers and goods, so they are worried that something will happen on the road,” a truck driver who asked for anonymity told DMG. 

The military restricted traffic after two civilians were killed when their vehicle hit what is believed to have been a landmine while passing through the scene of recent fighting on February 7. On Wednesday, the military reportedly allowed passersby to continue on with their travels after checking them. 

DMG phoned Major-General Zaw Min Tun, the junta’s deputy minister for information, seeking comment on reports that the military is tightening security and conducting interrogations of passengers in Maungdaw Township, but he could not be reached. 

DMG also contacted Colonel Kyaw Thura, Arakan State minister for Security and Border Affairs, but an unidentified individual who picked up the phone said the minister was in a meeting.