Southern Arakan not spared in latest military-AA hostilities

By Admin 21 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
21 December 2023, Kyaukphyu

Junta troops have stepped up military preparations, artillery strikes and arbitrary arrests in Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Manaung, Taungup, Thandwe and Gwa towns in southern Arakan State, the Brotherhood Alliance said in a statement on Tuesday.

Junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA) clashed for the first time near Ramree town on Ramree Island on Monday. Thousands of people have been forced from their homes in a subsequent bombardment by the regime.

The regime has tightened security in Ramree town, and also reinforced its troops there.
Junta troops have carried out shelling daily since the AA ambushed a junta convoy on Monday. Local residents are concerned about the possibility of further fighting.

Southern Arakan State experienced no hostilities during previous fighting between the military and Arakan Army. But, the conflict zone has been expanding to southern Arakan in the latest hostilities.

One Kyaukphyu resident said: “Junta positions fire shots and artillery shells daily. Though they are shelling toward the sea, people have concerns.” 

Light Infantry Battalion No. 543 based in Kyaukphyu fired 11 rounds of shells on Tuesday, and Light Infantry Battalion No. 34 based in Nga Lapwe Ward also fired at least eight shots, according to the Brotherhood Alliance.

The regime has reinforced its troops at the checkpoints in Thandwe town. Junta personnel are also reportedly carrying out checks on residential areas, said residents.

“They have increased their presence at checkpoints into and out of the town. We also heard gunshots from Taungup. So, we have concerns,” said a Thandwe resident.

The conflict zone in Arakan State has continued to expand since junta troops and the AA resumed fighting on November 13. To date, fighting has been reported in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Paukraw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Myebon, Ann, Ramree and Taungup townships.