The family members of junta forces were relocated bynavy barges from Maday island, where the Chinese project is located, and alsoNga La Pwayt jetty in Kyaukphyu township of Arakan (Rakhine) State.

A local eyewitness reported that those families weremoved from Nga La Pwayt jetty to Thit Pote Taung naval base in the earlymorning hours on 17 February.

"There was only a police station in Nga La Pwayt.Later, many soldiers were deployed there. The number of checkpoints alsoincreased. Due to the military situation, the soldiers have relocated theirfamilies to the naval base," added the eyewitness.

A navy ship carrying family members of junta andpolice personnel was seen departing from Maday island, where the Kyaukphyudeep-sea port project is located, by Saturday morning.

"This morning, four navy ships arrived. I sawfamilies of police and military personnel boarding the navy ships. But I am notsure where they are heading for," said the person.

On 15 and 16 February, the family members wereevacuated from Ma Ei town by helicopter. Later the soldiers and policepersonnel were seen leaving Ma Ei police station in military vehicles.

Following the Arakan Army's capture of many townsafter the conflicts erupted in Ramree, Taungup and Kyaukphyu localities, themilitary regime relocated their family members to Kyaukphyu, Thandwe and Annlocalities. Later the officer’s families were sent to Yangon.