It hasbeen reported that the residents of Ann town, where the western region commandis located, and Kyauk Taw Town, where Sakaha (9) military strategic command islocated, have been fleeing for safety.

The 9th military operations command (MOC-9), based inKyauktaw township, began firing artillery shells and deployed multiple launchrocket systems (MLRS) near Tinma (Taung Shay mountain) tactical operationcommand base, close to Kyauktaw township. This base has faced offensives fromthe Arakan Army (AA) since 25 December.

The ongoing artillery shell-firing  has causedfear among the residents, raising concerns about the potential escalation tourban warfare. Consequently, the residents have been seeking refuge indifferent locations since 27 December.

The residents from Myo Thit, Pyi Taw Thar, Shan Ywarand Pike The wards in Kyauktaw locality were displaced by the conflicts.

"The current situation in Kyauktaw township isseemingly stable, but the people find it difficult to predict the situation.Continuous battles to capture the town are going on, causing an exodus. Only afew families remain in their places,”  said a Kyauktaw resident.

Likewise on 31 December, following the AA capture ofthe military camps in Kazu Kaing and Dar Let village-tracts under  Anntownship, the junta forces launched artillery shells and  conductedairstrikes. They also deployed soldiers along the town bypass road andresidential areas. These military activities have threatened the residents andthey start fleeing to safer areas.

"In Ann locality, the residents could not flee asthe junta forces closed all the roads to prevent their departure. The juntatroops have also used the residents as human shields. However, those livingnear the town escaped. Depending on the situation, they fled to variouslocations,” explained a resident of Ann.

Moreover, as a result of the ongoing battles inRakhine State since 13 November, tens of thousands of residents fromPauktaw,  Ponna Kyunt, Minbya and Mrauk-U townships left their places to seek refuge in different localities.

Due to the third resurgence-battle between the AA andjunta forces in the Rakhine region, the number of internally displaced peopleincreased to 300,000, where over  50,000 individuals had already beendisplaced, according to organizations which are supporting the IDPs.