Tatmadaw air attack forces more than 1,000 villagers to flee

By Khaing Roe La 17 Nov 2019

Khaing Roe La | DMG
November 17, Rathedaung

Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) broke out aggressively on November 16 near Lai Gwin (Nwar Lar Kyaw) village in Rathedaung Township, the Tatmadaw used two helicopters, the local said.

The villagers said that the Tatmadaw soldiers shot the guns towards the mountains near Lai Gwin village, and a navy troop also launched artillery fire from Mayu River.

Around 1,000 residents from Lai Gwin village left their homes and fled to Rathedaung town, Zayat Hla and Alay Ywar villages because of the shootings.

U Wai Thar Tun, who fled from Lai Gwin village, said that the Tatmadaw began to launch the air attack after they heard the sound of fighting one mile away from their village.

“Two helicopters arrived and shot around the mountains where clashes took place. The navy troop in Mayu River also fired heavy weapons. That’s why we are afraid to stay in the village,” he said. 

He added that only the elderly continue staying in the village because they aren’t able to walk properly.

DMG tried to contact the Tatmadaw and the AA about the recent fighting but both groups could not be reached.  

Clashes broke out between two groups after the AA attacked with rockets on the night November 15 to the Tatmadaw troop No 536, 537 and 538 camping near Rathedaung town.