Junta Navy and AA Engage in Firefight in Kyaukphyu

 Kant Kaw Ni Ni, Narinjara News, 6 October 2024

Locals stated that in the sea close to Zin Chaung sub-township, Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, there was a firefight between a junta navy vessel and the Arakan Army (AA).

The junta forbids local fishermen from fishing in the waters off Arakan, particularly Kyaukphyu.

Large mainland fishing boats, such as ones from Pathein and Yangon, are permitted to operate in the interim under the protection of navy ships.

According to residents, the AA fired artillery munitions at these fishing boats, resulting in an armed clash between both sides.

The locals are not allowed to fish in the sea, according to the junta. Navy ships fire at them as they try to do so. On the other hand, the navy lets big fishing vessels that come from Pathein and Yangon fish unhindered. The nearby navy warship replied when the Arakan Army (AA) opened fire on those large fishing vessels, according to a local.

On October 2, at around 2:00 pm, there was a firefight. The fishing boats and the junta navy vessel left the region after the encounter.

According to a different resident of Kyaukphyu, the navy ship responded by firing artillery munitions in Zin Chaung sub-township, about eight nautical miles away.

He told Narinjara News, "There was an exchange of fire between that navy vessel and the AA about eight nautical miles off Zin Chaung."

The local fishing industries in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Thandwe, as well as those operating in the seas and rivers of Arakan, have been prohibited by the junta since the beginning of the Arakan conflict in November 2023. On the other hand, locals claim that fishing vessels from Dawei, Pathein, and Yangon have been given authorization to use these waters.

In addition, fishing boats from Arakan are being targeted and detained by junta navy ships stationed at sea, in addition to being fired upon and arrested. These boats are fishing in rivers close to the communities.

While establishing fishing nets in Sit Taw village, Kyaukphyu Township, on September 1, junta navy troops detained U Mway Tun, 32, and U Khin Maung Than, 42, from Kyan Chai village in Thit Poke Taung sub-township, along with Ko Saw Hla Maung, 22, from Nga La Pyawt ward.

Local fishing businesses are free to operate in the waters off townships under the Arakan Army's (AA) jurisdiction.

Photo: A junta naval vessel from the Dhanyawadi naval base in Arakan. (old photo)