Junta increases military presence in Arakan State

By Admin 20 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
20 November 2023, Sittwe

The junta is expanding and building new military camps in some towns as fighting between its troops and the Arakan Army has been intensifying since November 13 in Arakan State, according to local people.

The junta has built new military camps and reinforced troops and weapons in Rathedaung, Kyaukphyu and Ramree townships, locals said.

Junta troops have been deployed at seven military camps at an entrance to Kyaukphyu in recent days and junta soldiers patrol downtown Kyaukphyu round the clock, said a resident of Kyaukphyu.

“Junta soldiers have been stationed at seven temporary military camps in Kyaukphyu since renewed fighting in Arakan State. Junta soldiers have been deployed at entries and exits to the town,” the Kyaukphyu resident added.

The regime arrested at least four residents including ward and village administrators in Kyaukphyu on November 13.

More than 30 junta soldiers have reportedly been stationed on Theintaung, south of Ramree, in recent days.

“Over 30 junta soldiers have been camped on Theintaung south of Ramree following renewed hostilities between the military and Arakan Army in Arakan State,” said a local man in Ramree.

The regime has tightened security in the Arakan State capital Sittwe and detained dozens of civilians and university students.

“The regime’s armoured vehicles patrolled the streets in a show of force after the Arakan Army attacked multiple military positions. We dare not go outside due to junta soldier’s strict security checks,” said a resident of Sittwe.

Residents of Rathedaung have fled to nearby villages in fear as junta soldiers have been deployed at three new military camps in downtown Rathedaung, said a resident.

“Junta soldiers have been stationed at three locations following the Rathedaung fighting. The majority of Rathedaung residents have fled to safer places in fear due to the military presence,” he added.

Junta soldiers took positions across Pauktaw such as the police station, General Administration Department office, Lawka Hteikpan Pagoda and entries and exits to the town.

Junta soldiers were firing in Buthidaung, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U and Minbya at night indiscriminately.

The AA captured three junta bases following renewed clashes with the military in Arakan State. Fierce clashes between the military and AA have been reported across several Arakan State townships and in neighbouring Chin State’s Paletwa Township.