Regime steps up civilian arrests in Sittwe

By Admin 26 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

26 November 2025, Sittwe

Myanmar's military regime has continued arresting civilians in Sittwe this month for various reasons, heightening concern among local residents.

On November 21, U Maung Nge, U Nandar and U Win Naing from Setyonesu Ward were detained under the pretext of overnight guest checks, according to residents. Three locals fishing in Sat Yoe Kya Creek were arrested on November 18, and another man from Setyonesu Ward was detained on November 16.

"Junta officials came under the guise of overnight guest checks and arrested suspects. If you bribe junta officials, they release the arrested people. Young and middle-aged people should be very careful," said a young man from Sittwe.

Residents say the military regime is extorting money, conducting frequent security checks and issuing threats as tensions rise in the Arakan State capital.

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army continues along the border of Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships, with the regime carrying out daily artillery, air, and drone attacks on Ponnagyun, Rathedaung and Pauktaw townships.

"There is heavy weapons firing almost every day. Sometimes we hear small arms too. I don't know where they are firing from. The residents are normal. They are more afraid of not getting food than of dying," said a woman in Sittwe.

With the military regime blocking all exits from the city, those remaining in Sittwe are facing food and health challenges, job shortages and rising prices. Many local residents, including daily wage earners and villagers who cannot afford to pay extortion money, are sheltering in monasteries as displaced people.