Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, January 7, 2025 

Over 10 villages situated between Ann in Arakan State and Padan in Magway Region remain isolated due to ongoing fighting, as the junta has restricted access to Padan Town in Ngape Township, Minbu District, Magway Region. 

A male inhabitant of Padan informed Narinjara News that the villages caught in the conflict zone consist of Sar Tat Ku, Sone Kone, Pyan Kyk, Sa Pyun, Sa Pyun Gate, Sat Si, May Lat, Goke Gyi, Nat Yae Kan, Sun Tat Lin, Tone Gyi, and Ma Htone.

"The circumstances are dire, with combat erupting in several regions throughout the Arakan Mountains. Residents are unable to flee to Padan, the sole escape route, since the military council has sealed off all access to Padan Town. Thousands of individuals are currently trapped in these villages, situated in both Padan and Ann Townships," he said. 

He added that because of the continuous conflict in the Arakan Mountains, villagers between Ann and Padan cannot escape to Ann Town. The junta's closure of the route to Padan Town has left them trapped within the conflict. 

The junta is currently executing airstrikes in regions of the Arakan Mountains, where clashes persist, as well as in adjacent villages. This has triggered serious concerns for the safety of nearby residents. 

According to a male resident of Ann who spoke with Narinjara News, some roads and small shops in the Arakan Mountains have been damaged due to the airstrikes. 

"Some roads in the Arakan Mountains suffered damage. Shops were located near Goke Gyi, including grocery stores where drivers would pause to purchase items. Currently, those stores are vacant. Some of them were also wrecked by bombs and artillery shells," he stated. 

Residents have also mentioned that individuals fleeing the conflict have been detained at junta checkpoints and are now being interrogated. 

The Arakan Army (AA) has taken over the junta's Taung Sauk camp, situated 20 miles away from Ann Town. Residents report that clashes continue in the Arakan Mountains as the AA and its allied forces chase junta soldiers escaping the camp.