Locals stated that in the sea close to Zin Chaungsub-township, Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, there was a firefight between ajunta navy vessel and the Arakan Army (AA).
The junta forbids local fishermen from fishing in the watersoff Arakan, particularly Kyaukphyu.
Large mainland fishing boats, such as ones from Pathein andYangon, are permitted to operate in the interim under the protection of navyships.
According to residents, the AA fired artillery munitions atthese fishing boats, resulting in an armed clash between both sides.
The locals are not allowed to fish in the sea,according to the junta. Navy ships fire at them as they try to do so. On theother hand, the navy lets big fishing vessels that come from Pathein and Yangonfish unhindered. The nearby navy warship replied when the Arakan Army (AA)opened fire on those large fishing vessels, according to a local.
On October 2, at around 2:00 pm, there was a firefight. Thefishing boats and the junta navy vessel left the region after the encounter.
According to a different resident of Kyaukphyu, thenavy ship responded by firing artillery munitions in Zin Chaung sub-township,about eight nautical miles away.
He told Narinjara News, "There was an exchange offire between that navy vessel and the AA about eight nautical miles off ZinChaung."
The local fishing industries in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, andThandwe, as well as those operating in the seas and rivers of Arakan, have beenprohibited by the junta since the beginning of the Arakan conflict in November2023. On the other hand, locals claim that fishing vessels from Dawei, Pathein,and Yangon have been given authorization to use these waters.
In addition, fishing boats from Arakan are beingtargeted and detained by junta navy ships stationed at sea, in addition tobeing fired upon and arrested. These boats are fishing in rivers close to thecommunities.
While establishing fishing nets in Sit Taw village,Kyaukphyu Township, on September 1, junta navy troops detained U Mway Tun, 32,and U Khin Maung Than, 42, from Kyan Chai village in Thit Poke Taungsub-township, along with Ko Saw Hla Maung, 22, from Nga La Pyawt ward.
Local fishing businessesare free to operate in the waters off townships under the Arakan Army's (AA)jurisdiction.
Photo: A junta naval vessel from the Dhanyawadi navalbase in Arakan. (old photo)
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