Myanmar military reinforcing urban positions in Arakan State

By Admin 03 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
3 January 2024, Sittwe

Junta troops are reinforcing their urban positions in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, as well as in Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Ponnagyun and Myebon townships, according to local residents.

Junta troops recently began conducting nighttime patrols in Sittwe, and have also stepped arrests of civilians during the daytime, creating concerns among local people.

A woman from Kyaungtetlan Ward in Sittwe town said: “Junta troops are moving around in Sittwe town daily. When there are junta-organised events at Danyawaddy football pitch, they would carry out checks on nearby houses, and would keep guard on high-rise buildings.”

Junta troops often carry out checks in Mingan and Setyoekya wards, and arrested more than 20 residents from Setyoekya Ward on Monday.

A man from Sanpya Ward in Ponnagyun town said: “Junta troops often enter the town. There are reports that junta troops would be deployed on high-rise buildings. If so, it won’t be safe in the town.”

The AA attacked a junta column with remotely detonated mines on December 28 on the outskirts of Ponnagyun town, followed by an exchange of fire. Two civilians were injured by a junta artillery strike.

Over 300 shops were burnt in Ponnagyun’s central market on November 24 after artillery shells fired by junta troops hit the market and ignited fires. Most of the town’s residents have since fled Ponnagyun.

Junta troops have been bombarding Ramree in southern Arakan State using artillery, warships and aircraft. At least 13 houses were destroyed by fire in No. 4 Ward during a junta bombing raid on Tuesday at noon.

Junta troops are also making movements near Kangyihtaung town in Myebon Township and Kazukaing Village in Ann Township, according to Myebon residents.

Arakanese politician U Pe Than said: “The military council is reinforcing its battalions in the town after its outposts in the rural areas have fallen. I learned that it is particularly reinforcing Danyawaddy naval base in Kyaukphyu. It is preparing its troops in towns to prevent them from falling into the hands of the United League of Arakan, which is expanding its administrative control.”

According to a January 2 statement from the Brotherhood Alliance, the regime is reinforcing its bases in Ramree, Kyaukphyu, Ponnagyun, Myebon and Sittwe towns this week.

Some 150,000 civilians have been displaced in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out between the regime and the Arakan Army on November 13.