"The regime seems to be preparing a defence to defend against the AA offensive. Junta soldiers have reportedly taken positions atop buildings in downtown Taungup," said a local man in Taungup.

Fierce fighting has been reported near Ann, Arakan State, after the Arakkha Army (AA) launched an offensive against the Myanmar military’s Ann-based Western Command on Wednesday.

Seasonal crops such as mangoes, rambutan and pineapples have been fetching good prices in conflict-torn Arakan State and sales are brisk compared with last year, according to fruit growers.

Vessels carrying about 1 billion kyats worth of goods were stopped by junta soldiers at a jetty in Pathein Township in the first week of July.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has invited four Myanmar political parties whose registrations have been approved by the junta’s election body to pay a goodwill visit to China from July 20-27.

According to junta media, the two discussed promotion of ties between the two armed forces, closer cooperation in the rule of law along the border, defence matters and the exchange of trainees.

While most Sittwe residents have fled to safer locations fearing fighting, the remaining residents are stuck in the Arakan State capital due to financial constraints and road blockades.

As healthcare workers working in remote areas are fleeing to safety due to fighting between the military regime and Arakkha Army (AA), local residents face an increasingly dire health emergency.

Junta soldiers in Thandwe fled to the Maung Shwe Lay naval base and about 400 local people trapped by fighting are reportedly being evacuated by the AA.

“Fighting has not yet taken place [in Manaung], but the regime is making preparations to defend it. Residents do not feel safe. The regime does not allow people to leave the town,” said a Manaung resident.

“They fled to Sittwe while fighting was escalating in Buthidaung. They were forcibly conscripted over the past few days,” said one source.

A member of a charity based in Gwa said that carrying out charity works is a struggle due to cash shortages, and phone and internet blackouts.

The regime said the council had breached the fundamental principles of constructive dialogue by discussing Myanmar issues in the absence of a representative from the concerned country.

Nanthar Island is a popular destination for migratory birds including rare species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper. Irrawaddy dolphins are also reportedly spotted there.

With the fall of Ngapali Town to the AA, Myanmar’s military regime has brought in reinforcements from its army and navy forces based in Ayeyarwady Region to defend neighbouring Thandwe Town, according to residents.

A junta outpost is located on a hill near Aungcedi Village where the landmine dismembered U Maung Wai Thein, and the explosive charge is believed to have been planted by junta troops, locals said.

Since renewed fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and AA on November 13, the regime has imposed bans on fishing and sea travel around Manaung Township.

Junta soldiers stationed at the Kanyin Chaung economic zone west of Maungdaw Town in Arakan State retreated from the area on July 14, according to local residents.

"At least five homes were set on fire at around 11 a.m. on July 14. Now the number of homes that have been burnt is probably higher. This is the second time homes have been reduced to ashes," the source added.