Regime raiding villages in Manaung Twsp

By Admin 10 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
10 August 2024, Manaung

Junta soldiers from Ayeyarwady Region have raided at least 15 villages in Arakan State’s Manaung Township since the last week of July, according to residents.

Around 100 junta soldiers operating in small groups have been raiding villages day and night, said a resident.

“Some villages were raided at night,” said a source. They stayed at monasteries, schools and public buildings for four to seven days before leaving to raid another village.

During their stays, they attempted to persuade villagers to join the military, and asked them if Arakkha Army (AA) troops had previously entered their villages.

One resident of Thitpone Village said: “They have been staying at the village police station and a monastery for four days. They asked if AA troops had entered the village before.”

Locals are concerned for their safety.

Manaung relies solely on water transportation to bring in goods for residents. The regime has also banned fishing in the sea, resulting in food shortages and livelihood hardships on Manaung Island.

“Many people will suffer if fighting breaks out. We can’t flee to another place. Food and basic medicines are running low. As Manaung is an isolated island, it will suffer more,” said a Manaung resident.

The regime has only a naval base in Manaung. After the fall of two battalions in Thandwe, the regime deployed troops at Manaung Airport, the town hall and other strategically important positions.

Fighting has been raging for nearly nine months in Arakan State. The AA has seized nine of Arakan State’s 17 townships and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.