During a major military offensive titled ‘1027Operation’, which was conducted by threebrotherhood alliances (AA, MNDAA and TNLA) against the junta forces innorthern Shan State (close to China border) on 27 October, the Burmese junta announced to hold amilitary exercise for three days on Andaman sea, 86 miles of Myeik in Tanintharyidivision, which is close to Thailand.

The exercise is scheduledto be conducted from 7 to 9 November on the Andamansea (in Myanmar)with navy, air force and army (land forces) .

During the exercise, the large & smallships, cargo & fishing boats and even motorboats will be prohibitedwithin five miles of the designated area. Moreover, airplanes and helicoptersare also asked not to fly below 15,000 feet over the area during the period.

The junta conducts military exercises in the sea withthe navy only in recent times, as observers believe that they have no moremanpower (soldiers) to exercise with the army (land forces). Many armypersonnel have been killed in recent times after fighting against various armedforces including EAOs and PDFs, they assumed.

Earlier on 27 October, the army personnel in PonnaKyung, Maungdaw and Taungup townships of Rakhine State used heavy weapons intest-firing practices and it is understood as a preparation for the war againstAA in Rakhine State.