Fighting has further intensified in and around Maungdaw Town recently as the AA is attacking the junta’s Border Guard Police Battalion No. 5, the last junta battalion defending the town, according to sources on the ground.

The Myanmar regime’s administrative mechanism has collapsed in Gwa with the Arakkha Army (AA) advancing on the town in southern Arakan State, according to residents.

Myo Chaung Island is a two-hour boat ride from Kyaukphyu Town. There are 33 villages on the island, with two rural healthcare centres and eight sub-centres.

The junta has charged Ko Myat Hein Tun under Section 50(j) and Section 52(a) of the Counter-Terrorism Law at Yangon’s Hlaingthayar police station, according to sources close to the accused.

Junta soldiers torched Maungni (Muslim) Village after the AA evacuated locals trapped by fighting on August 14, said eyewitnesses in Maungdaw.

The jet fighter carried out three airstrikes on the Moe Pyinnyar Dana Philanthropic Association’s training school at around 3 a.m. on August 16, according to residents in Taungup.

Wang also expressed China’s support for the junta’s five-point roadmap to restore peace, stability and economic development, as well as the junta’s proposed poll, junta media reported.

Some political prisoners from prisons in Sittwe, Ann and Taungup, Arakan State, were reportedly transferred to Yangon by flight earlier this month.

Previously, the exchange rate stood at around K50 per Rupee, but the exchange rate has increased to K85 per Rupee as of August 14. 

The retired senior general expressed hope that "China will continue to provide support for Myanmar, helping Myanmar guard against external interference and maintain domestic stability," the Chinese state-run media outlet Xinhua reported.

The AA evacuated thousands of people including Arakanese, Hindus and Muslims from Maungdaw’s Ward Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, and Latha, Shwezar, Labawzar, Maungnipyin, Kanyintan and Pantawpyin villages.

IDPs face severe food shortages as the regime has barred local and international organisations from providing humanitarian aid to many of those in need in Arakan State.

The regime has been fencing off the riverfront area in Sittwe to protect a naval base near the Arakan State capital's ViewPoint Park, according to residents.

Betel leaf is grown on a commercial scale in Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Ann townships in Arakan State. It is also grown on a smaller scale in Myebon, Pauktaw and Taungup townships.

"All of them were from Thandwe Township. They were young people aged between 17 and 40, including women," said a Thandwe resident taking shelter in Ayeyarwady Region.

Regime soldiers retreating from Kyeintali Town have reportedly been stationed in Kalarpyin Village on the Kyeintali-Gwa road south of the town.

About 30 junta soldiers and members of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) abducted 21 locals from Sittwe’s Kandawgyi Ward on the night of August 12, residents said.

A local man from Arakan State’s Taungup Township was severely injured on Tuesday evening after he stepped on a landmine while returning home from fishing, according to residents.

Elder care facilities in Sittwe, Taungup, Kyaukphyu, Ramree and Manaung towns were previously supplied by donors who made monthly or long-term donations.