The Arakkha Army (AA) continues to make territorial inroads in Ann Township, where the Myanmar military’s Western Command is based, and the fighting is intensifying, according to military sources.

The Myanmar military clashed with the Arakkha Army (AA) near the Kaingshae Bridge and Theintaung Ward in Arakan State’s Taungup, where the regime’s No. 5 Military Operations Command is based, on Wednesday.

“Food prices soared whenever dollar value and transportation costs increased, and they only keep increasing. With our incomes slashed due to various factors, we can’t keep up with rising commodity prices. Poor people are getting poorer,”

Casualties were highest in Thandwe Township, with 188, followed by Maungdaw Township with 165. Most of the casualties were the result of junta air attacks.

Myanmar's military regime is fortifying the Arakan State capital Sittwe to defend against anticipated attacks from the Arakkha Army (AA), according to sources close to DMG.

Military and political observers say the AA will take time before launching an offensive against Kyaukphyu Township, the site of multiple Chinese mega-projects.

Myanmar's military regime has increasingly targeted religious buildings, civilian residences and other non-military targets with airstrikes amid ongoing clashes with the Arakkha Army (AA) in Arakan State.

A total of 139 civilians were killed and 57,000 people were displaced from their homes by the junta’s indiscriminate air and artillery attacks, according to the BNI report.

Myanmar’s military regime has beefed up security in Manaung Town following escalating clashes in Ann and Gwa townships.

The AA has stepped up attacks in an effort to seize the Western Command, and the ethnic armed group has so far taken control of at least 10 junta camps in the township.

Fighting between the military and AA began near Satthwar Village on November 10. Clashes have continued to intensify, with the regime defending against AA attacks with aerial and naval support.

Residents of Kyauktaw Town as well as in villages along the river use water from the Kaladan River. There have been public health concerns due to the increased waste disposal into the river.

The price of 92 Ron Octane has recently declined to 12,000 kyats, but vehicle fares have not fallen commensurately.

With a lack of jobs, rising commodity prices and a lack of humanitarian aid, IDPs are faced with a food crisis and most are forced to eke out a living by doing odd jobs.

Farmers had already struggled to grow monsoon paddy due to the high prices of fertiliser and fuel. But their worries are not yet over as harvesters and workers are in short supply while labour costs are high.

The AA reportedly attacked the ordnance depot near the Western Command headquarters with rocket-propelled grenades on the night of November 10.

The civilian casualties were reported after the regime dropped 500-lb bombs on Thandwe twice on Sunday morning.

The displaced civilians were injured after a junta air assault hit Mya Sein Yaung Monastery in Ward 5 and Lanma Monastery in Ward 2 of Buthidaung on Sunday.

IDPs face livelihood hardships due to skyrocketing commodity prices and some IDPs earn a living as odd-job workers and collect cash donations from well-wishers in rural villages.