Kant Kaw Ni Ni, Narinjara News, 11 November 2024 

The fallout from the continuous clashes in Ann Town has reached Kyaukphyu, home to major Chinese projects, leading the military junta to intensify its military operations in the area. 

"I believe it’s the aftermath of the conflict, with the AA battling in Ann. Kyaukphyu is experiencing heightened military activity currently, as junta troops traverse the town and soldiers are carrying out ambush patrols in all areas,"  an eyewitness noted . 

Moreover, the junta has sent many reinforcements through naval ships and fighter aircraft, while building extensive bunkers, trenches, and military structures to protect against the AA assault, as reported by military sources. 

CDM Captain Zin Yaw proposed that the AA might expand its activities to Kyaukphyu and Taungup towns following their takeover of Ann Town, where the Western Command is located. 

As the AA battled for control of Ann Town, it also executed concurrent assaults on Taungup Town, situated south of Ann Township, seizing all reserve troops and the artillery base encircling the town. Since November 9, the AA has focused on the 5th Military Operations Command (MOC-5), along with the 346th light infantry battalion and the 544th light infantry battalion in close-quarters attacks. 

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“Fierce confrontations are breaking out in both Ann and Taungup. Ramree Island consists of two townships—Kyaukphyu and Ramree. The AA has taken control of Ramree, and Kyaukphyu is beginning to exhibit signs of unrest. Residents in the town are spending more time inside, and the junta troops have intensified checks on foot traffic. Those who remain in the town are afraid to venture outside, even in daylight," reported an observer. 

Residents of Kyaukphyu stated that junta soldiers have heightened their presence in the area, particularly around the clock tower and Myoma market, with inspections now being more stringent than they were previously. 

Kyaukphyu Town, which is the site of Chinese projects, accommodates the 542nd and 543rd light infantry battalions along with the 34th infantry battalion, while the Dhanyawadi naval base and the 32nd Doe Tan Taung police battalion are located in Kyaukphyu Township. 

On September 24, the primary power line feeding Kyaukphyu Town through Minbu-Ann Road was struck by airstrikes from junta forces on the Ma Ei-Lone Taw Pauk Bridge, causing a power disruption. 

At present, locals reported that there is only one MPT phone line that is available sporadically in Kyaukphyu Town. 

Moreover, tens of thousands of individuals continue to be in Kyaukphyu as junta troops impose stringent movement limitations on the locals.