"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.

“We can’t buy any food. They have run out of stocks in Kyauktaw. Stocks will run out in the next few days in our village. We don’t know what to eat,” said a woman from northern Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township.

The AA has issued a notice to civilians to avoid traveling to junta camps and surrounding areas, and to educate themselves about landmine hazards.

Dozens of inmates were reportedly released from Thandwe Prison in Arakan State after two female prisoners were killed in an artillery strike on the prison, where junta troops are stationed.

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.