Kyaing Hein Lin, Narinjara News, 4 February 2024 

The Arakan Army (AA) has carried out area clearance missions in the Mayu Mountains of Maungdaw Township, setting up more checkpoints and enhancing security to facilitate easier travel for the local population. 

Recently, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents attacked civilians traveling on the road, resulting in multiple fatalities within the local community. 

In reply, the AA has intensified its initiatives, carrying out additional area clearance activities and enhancing security on major pathways, as stated by U Maung Saw Win, a local inhabitant of Rathedaung. 

"Following the clash with the 5th border guard police battalion (NaKhaKha-5) in Maungdaw, several ARSA insurgents infiltrated and created unrest. Nonetheless, because of the AA's extensive military actions, they have nearly been eradicated. Transportation is now running smoothly," U Maung Saw Win stated. 

The AA has conducted area clearance missions and ensured the safety of the Mayu mountain passes, which include the Zay Di Pyin-Kyauk Pan Du road, Kyein Chaung-Taung Pyo road, Kyein Chaung-Maungdaw road, and the Buthidaung-Maungdaw road. 

Consequently, traveling has become more convenient, stated a woman from Zay Di Pyin village. 

"Everything is alright now, apart from the bad road conditions. There is no need for concern since area clearance operations have been completed," she stated. 

The Mayu Mountains are an extensive mountain range with dense forests. 

A resident of Buthidaung mentioned that even though the AA is performing area clearance operations and enhancing security in the thick forest, there are worries that terrorist groups could occasionally carry out ambushes. 

"Area clearance actions have been executed, yet we still do not feel secure. The mountains are thickly wooded, and terrorist organizations might be hiding there. People are afraid of ambushes, and that’s why some hesitate to travel that road," the resident stated. 

On January 4, ARSA insurgents attacked an Indian auto rickshaw transporting travelers from Kyauk Pan Du village to Zay Di Pyin village, close to Mro Yu village along the Mayu mountain pathway. The assault led to the death of a local individual and injured two more people. 

On December 24, 2024, ARSA insurgents attacked a passenger car going from Kyein Chaung to Taung Pyo Let Wae, resulting in the death of one woman and injuring multiple others.