Thinzar New, Narinjara News, 24 May 2024

The military junta has designated Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, as thelast fortress town to resist the offensive of Arakan Army (AA) and madeextensive military preparations.

"The junta may soon relinquish control of Maungdaw. After it, the AA'soffensive will turn to Sittwe. Understanding the development, the  juntaforces have prepared to defend Sittwe. Reinforcements are being made throughaircraft and military vessels," said a local resident.

The junta is probably preparing to defend Sittwe intwo phases. The first phase involves reinforcing weapons, soldiers, and foodsupplies via aircraft and military vessels. On 21 May, a number of largemilitary aircrafts landed and it continued for some days. Now there has been anotable surge in reinforcement of soldiers and weapons in recent days," headded.

The junta has also provided military training to morethan one thousand  Muslims and they are equipped with weapons tounderstandably resist the AA fighters.

In the second phase, the junta forces are  planting landmines aroundSittwe. They are also  placing naval mines in coastal area, constructing bomb shelters, trenches and bunkers within the militarybattalions and finally renovating military buildings to fortify them againstthe bomb attacks.

"Many navy ships from Yangon arrived herecarrying arms & ammunition, food supplies, as well as constructionmaterials like gravel, iron and cement bags. Many bunkers and trenches arebeing constructed,” he stated.

The  AA fighters are yet to attack Sittwe town,but they have occupied three townships under Sittwe district namely Rathedaung,Ponnagyun and Pauktaw.

"Being the capital, Sittwe has many battalionsand a civilian population. I believe the AA fighters will carefully considertheir actions to avoid civilian harassment,” said veteran Arakanese politicianU Pe Than.

The residents of Sittwe are concerned about the reports about the AA’s probableplan to attack Sittwe before the rainy season.

"Now all roads are closed in Sittwe and none canescape by the land and waterways. Escaping to rural areas by boat is no longeran option due to landmines on the shores. Common people cannot afford flying toYangon. We are in a helpless situation,” said a female resident.