Hnin Nwe Ni, Narinjara News, 15 August 2024

A warning statement from the Arakan State militaryregime over the probable airstrikes has panicked the residents of Kyauktaw,Mrauk-U and Minbya townships. Some residents even fled their places followingthe statement.

The statement issued on 11 August said that the juntaforces were retaliating against the Arakan Army (AA) fighters in Kyauktaw,Mrauk-U and Minbya localities. It advised the residents to take their valuableitems and leave the place to avoid any unwanted incident.

A woman from Kyauktaw informed Narinjara News thatthey were worried about the probable airstrikes by the junta soldiers.

“We came from Sittwe to escape the conflict and now weplan to move again,” added the lady.

The residents of Mrauk-U also expressed theiranxieties.  A local resident informed that on the occasion of Uposatha Day, he heard the sound of jet fighters flying overhead and tookshelter in the makeshift bunker.

Some wealthier residents have already left to otherplaces to avoid any kinds of airstrikes.

Meanwhile, the junta soldiers conducted an airstrikeover Mrauk-U on 10 August that killed six civilians and injured 10 others.

In Minbya too, the residents become scared. A residentinformed that an aircraft flew over many times and the children and old peoplewere taken to  bomb shelters.

“After the junta’s airstrikes on Mrauk-U, we too feltscared,” added the resident.

AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha criticized thejunta’s warning against civilians and urged them to remain vigilant. The juntamay carry out attacks on civilians, he apprehended.

Currently, the AA controls nine major towns in ArakanState and they are launching offensives against key locations like Maung ShweLay naval base in Thandwe, Kyeintali town under Gwa township, Ann township andthe 5th border guard police battalion in Maungdaw town.

Photograph caption: Some of those who fled Pauktawtownship in November 2023 due to the renewed fighting.