Fearing spillover of hostilities, residents flee Gwa Twsp 

By Admin 24 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 July 2024, Gwa

Some residents have fled Gwa Township in Arakan State to Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions following increased military activities in the township.

The regime has brought in more troops, tightened security and planted landmines in the township, said residents. 

Fighting has been raging in Thandwe Township, which borders Gwa, for months. The regime has prepared a stand in Gwa for fear that hostilities might spill over into the township, according to residents. 

“Many families who can afford it have fled for fear of fighting. The AA has not done any military activity in Gwa Township. The regime is, however, bringing in troops from Ayeyarwady Region,” said a Gwa resident. 

Residents say thousands have left the town in recent weeks. Nearly 20 home burglaries have been reported in Gwa town since earlier this month. 

“Not only empty houses but occupied houses were burgled. Some houses were burgled twice. Junta soldiers and police have done nothing,” said another Gwa resident. 

Gwa Township is home to the Myanmar military’s Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 562 and 563. The regime has brought in thousands of reinforcements from battalions in Ayeyarwady Region as well as militias, according to residents.