The AA is launching an offensive to take control of Maungdaw, whereas the regime is boosting its defences in downtown Maungdaw, according to the statement.

“The news is true. Dozens of teachers in rural areas have been suspended from their duty since June for failing to come to their respective schools,” said an education employee in Ann Township.

With the intensity of the fighting, children are living with trauma due to junta artillery attacks and airstrikes on civilian areas, guardians said.

Twenty trucks loaded with junta soldiers from Ayeyarwady Region arrived in Thandwe via the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road on Friday. The regime also transported reinforcements to the Maung Shwe Lay naval base by sea.

Burglars have typically targeted the houses of residents who fled ongoing fighting between junta and Arakkha Army (AA) forces, said residents who remain in Sittwe and Thandwe.

The nationwide population census is scheduled for October 1-15. Soe Win said the census would contribute to compiling accurate voter lists necessary for holding a general election slated for next year.

About 20 percent of the IDPs taking shelter along the Kyauktaw-Ponnagyun road, and at displacement camps in Kyauktaw Town, are suffering from malaria, said camp managers.

Junta soldiers took positions at Thandwe Prison and atop buildings in Thandwe to deter the AA from attacking the district-level town, a local resident said.

A coalition force consisting of around 50 junta soldiers and Muslim militiamen entered Aungbala Village and torched at least 10 homes on Thursday morning.

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has told residents to use worn banknotes as the banking system has ceased operation in areas controlled by the AA.

A local man from Aungthayar Ward in Minbya, Arakan State, was severely injured in a landmine blast at around 11 a.m. on July 11, according to locals.

The two discussed continued collaboration in the implementation of the India-funded Kaladan project and other development projects in Arakan State, junta media reported.

Two civilians were killed and three others were injured in junta artillery and air attacks in Arakan State’s Thandwe and Kyaukphyu townships on July 10.

The regime has used cargo aircraft to transport junta reinforcements via Ann Airport, said a source, as fighting intensifies in the township. 

Maung Pyone Cho, 17, of Linthar Ward in Ngapali Town, was hit by shrapnel while he was fishing near the shore at around 7 a.m. on July 10.

Junta soldiers abducted U Khin Maung, a 40-year-old mobile phone shop owner, and Daw Khin Sandar Aye, 45, owner of a cosmetics store, from their homes on July 7.

Casualties were inflicted by airstrikes, shellings, arbitrary arrests and killings, torture in prison, rape and landmine encounters, said the report. Fourteen of the victims killed were under the age of 18, it said.

An artillery shell fired by junta troops stationed on a hilltop camp fell and exploded in Nyaungpin bazaar in Thandwe Township on Tuesday, wounding a local man and woman.

The MNDAA is not only holding talks with the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) but also expanding its territory beyond Kokang, said junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun.