Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 27 January 2025

The junta navy vessels based in Kyaukpyu, home to major Chinese oil & gas projects, have been shelling indiscriminately despite no active fighting in the area. The attacks forced the residents from at least 10 villages to flee for safer places.

A male resident of Kyaukphyu told Narinjara News that the villagers fled due to artillery shelling and small arms firing from the junta’s attack crafts, which are stationed to guard the junta’s Ohn Kywein naval base under Danyawaddy naval headquarters in Thit Poke Taung and Maday island.

"There has been more shelling this month. They are targeting villagers in the mountains and those along the coast. There has been no fighting recently, but the villagers fled due to the threat of shelling," added the resident.

A woman from Kyaukphyu reported that some of the junta’s shells  landed near the mountains and nearby villages.

"While no shells landed directly on villages, many  hit the mountains. The junta vessels are firing daily and we’re terrified of where the next shells may land. That’s why we’re fleeing to places for safety," added the lady.

The junta’s ongoing shelling forced residents from at least 10 villages to flee including Mar Ra Zai Kyun, Taung Shay Kan, Thel Chaung (also known as Kyet Taw Pyin) and several villages near to Myoe Chaung Kyun.

Meanwhile, the military tension in Kyaukpyu between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces intensified. The localities witness a heightened military activity with frequent artillery shelling and increased drone surveillance.

In Arakan State, the AA fighters have taken control of 14 among  17 Arakanese townships. Only three townships remain under the control of the military junta, including Kyaukpyu.