Local residents in Arakan State are suffering from a food crisis and limited employment opportunities amid junta blockades of both roadways and waterways. 

With mobile phone and internet shutdowns and fewer mobile money agents making it difficult to convert donations into cash, there have been delays in helping internally displaced people (IDPs).

At least 50 people were killed in regime artillery attacks and airstrikes across Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Taungup and Thandwe townships in Arakan State this month.

Junta Defence Minister General Tin Aung San and new Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia met on Wednesday in Naypyidaw to discuss border stability and security, junta media reported.

Ethnically Arakanese people as well as Kokang, Wa and Palaung people cannot travel unless they have letters from relevant police stations and ward administration offices approving their travel.

Buddhist nuns in the Arakan State capital Sittwe are going hungry as they can barely collect alms after many residents fled the town in the shadow of armed conflict, and amid a junta blockade.

Myanmar’s military regime is sending junta soldiers that have retreated from townships seized by the Arakkha Army (AA) in northern Arakan State to Manaung Town, sources told DMG.

The internally displaced people (IDPs) suffer from skin diseases due to unsanitary drinking water, insufficient toilets, crowded living conditions, lack of mosquito nets and accommodation problems.

A military tribunal sentenced Ko Myo Myint Oo to life imprisonment on May 15 and Ko Aung Hsan Oo to 20 years in prison on February 16, Dawei Watch said in a statement on August 27.

The junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has informed political parties to prepare for the elections in November 2025.

The junta boss reiterated that in his eyes the military takeover in 2021 was in line with the law because of voter fraud in the 2020 general election. Independent observers, however, have said the voting was largely free and fair.

Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun in an interview with BBC said the regime would implement the so-called people’s security system as early as possible, and supply necessary weapons to recruits.

The nine people — five from Ponnagyun, two from Pauktaw and one each from Kyaukphyu and Ramree — are on a list compiled by DMG and the actual number is likely higher on the ground.

Fierce clashes are ongoing at the Maung Shwe Lay naval base in Thandwe Township and in Kyaukparsat and Kalarpyin villages near Kyeintali Town in Gwa Township.

The AA drove the junta forces, who had taken positions in downtown Maungdaw, out of the border town and warned the regime forces in BGF Battalion No. 5 to surrender.

“We will continue to do what is necessary to restore the country to its previous condition. For that to happen, we need the understanding and cooperation of the people,” Min Aung Hlaing said.

The AASYC works to protect the rights of students inside and outside Arakan State. It also provides intensive women’s empowerment training courses in Arakan State.

In a statement on August 23, Türk said that tens of thousands of people, which included a substantial number of Musims, had fled a major offensive of the AA over the past four months.

The regime, which is sure to give up Maungdaw, has burned down houses and buildings in the border town and is fleeing by means of fighting, according to the AA.