Regime detains 16 Gwa residents sheltering in Ayeyarwady Region

By Admin 24 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 December 2024, Yekyi, Ayeyarwady Region

Sixteen people displaced by fighting in Gwa Township, Arakan State, who were taking shelter in Yekyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region, have reportedly been arrested by Myanmar’s military regime.

The 16 Arakanese IDPs from Gwa Township were arrested by around 30 junta soldiers and police in Yekyi Township’s Mrauk San Village on the evening of December 22.

“Around 30 junta soldiers and police conducted security checks and abducted 16 IDPs from Gwa Township on suspicion of having ties to the Arakkha Army (AA),” said a local resident.

As of Tuesday evening, the arrestees had not been released and their whereabouts remained unknown.

Ongoing clashes have displaced thousands of local people in Gwa and Thandwe townships to Ayeyarwady and Bago regions, which share a border with Arakan State.

IDPs from Arakan State who are taking shelter in Ayeyarwady Region are worried about their safety as the regime is stepping up security measures and making arrests.

“The regime arrests IDPs from Arakan State on suspicion of having links with the AA regardless of gender. My children dare not go outside. We feel insecure even at home,” said an IDP woman from Gwa Township who is currently taking refuge in Pathein.

Five IDPs from Gwa Township were similarly arrested by the regime in Yekyi Township’s Sawpyar Village on November 16.

As the AA offensive approaches Gwa Town, the regime has increased security checkpoints and carried out raids along the border with Ayeyarwady Region.

The military regime is forcing IDPs from Arakan State taking refuge in Yekyi and Kyonepyaw townships and the Chaungtha and Shwe Thaung Yan areas of Ayeyarwady Region to relocate.