Junta plants landmines, naval mines around Sittwe

By Admin 11 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
11 April 2024, Sittwe

The military regime has beefed up security in the Arakan State capital Sittwe as the Arakan Army (AA) is advancing toward the town.

It has planted landmines and naval mines in the Kaladan River east of Sittwe and around the town. Large numbers of junta troops are deployed in the town, which is also being guarded by warships.

“The regime has been erecting a fence from Shwe Mingan Creek to the mouth of Setyoekya Creek since earlier this month. Junta naval boats are deployed in Shwe Mingan Creek. Junta soldiers told us not to go into the river because they had planted mines. They are preparing for fear of an AA attack,” said a Sittwe resident.

DMG was unable to independently confirm reports of the regime having planted landmines around Sittwe town. But there have been several mine blasts in Sittwe Township that have resulted in civilian casualties.

A woman from Pyar Lel Chaung Village was injured after stepping on a landmine on April 3. A man from Kyettawpyin Village lost both his legs in a mine blast on March 30.

Though fighting has not yet erupted in Sittwe Township, many residents have fled out of fear for their safety.

A civilian who fled from Kyarmathauk Village said: “The regime has planted naval mines on the shore and creeks near the village. So we fled through brooks. I heard a lot of mines are planted near the checkpoint guarding Kyauktan Bridge.”

Two-thirds of residents have fled Sittwe town, but the rest are still trapped in the town as the regime has effectively isolated it. The remaining population faces growing food shortages.

“No goods can come in as the regime has blockaded the town. Everything has shot up in price. A sack of Paw Hsan Hmwe rice sells for 200,000 to 250,000 kyats now. Low-income families are having a real hard time,” said a Sittwe resident.

Fighting has been raging in Arakan State for about five months now, and the two sides are currently fighting in Maungdaw District and Ann Township, where the Myanmar military’s Western Command is based.

AA chief Major-General Twan Mrat Naing has urged residents to evacuate their homes in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu towns as the ethnic armed group plans to fight to seize total control of Arakan State.