Junta increases military presence in Kyaukphyu amidst escalating conflict near Chinese projects site

 The junta forces are strengthening their military preparation to counter an offensive by the Arakan Army (AA) after the conflicts erupted in Kyaukphyu township, which houses a number of Chinese investment projects.

Kyaukphyu residents said that the soldiers have built at least 10 bunkers and deployed their artillery units in the creek-areas around the town to prevent the entry of AA members.

A young activist from Kyaukphyu said that the junta forces had erected bunkers around the town and are now stationed there. They have also restricted people from moving in those areas where the bunkers are constructed, he added.

Along the dyke from Pyin Phyu Maw in Nga Pa Pwayt ward of  Kyaukphyu township to O Lel Seik in Ku Lar Bar Taung ward, at least 10 bunkers were  built. Over  60 junta troops have been stationed there all day and night hours, said the  residents.

A local youth from Kyaukphyu said that the bunkers were built along the dam. A number of machine guns and  60mm mortars have been positioned there. They apprehend that the AA members may enter through the creek areas and launch the attacks, he added.

Residents also stated that in Nga La Pwayt ward of  Kyauk Phyu township along the creek, over 40 junta soldiers have made bunkers.

On 22 December 2023 in Kyauk Phyu township, clashes erupted as the AA members  attacked a military vehicle near the Thit Poke Taung Dhanyawadi naval base.

At around 10:30 am on 23 December, a clash erupted between Sane town and Ah Wa Taung village under Kyauk Phyu  township. According to a statement issued by Three Brotherhood Alliance, at least four junta soldiers sustained injuries in the clash.

Despite the escalating conflicts in many townships of Rakhine State, the junta signed the addendum for the deep seaport project under the special economic zone with the Chinese agencies on 26 December.

The junta-run newspapers promoted the idea that the deep-sea port project would  create  job opportunities to the Rakhine people. However, the locals are concerned about losing their farming land and fishing sites, as it happened to the Shwe natural gas project that gave a billion dollars to the junta, but did not benefit the local community.

Currently, the junta has restricted the travel and fishing rights for the Kyauk Phyu residents through a local order, which has resulted in food shortages and hardship to the local residents.

Caption: The oil tanker and Chinese Jetty in Madae Island of Kyauk Phyu.