Hundreds of IDPs trapped at military checkpoint as fighting escalates in Gwa

Narinjara News, 16 October 2024

The intense fighting in northern Gwa township, located in the southern-most part of Arakan State, forced many residents to flee towards Gwa town, said local residents.

But due to the closure of junta's military checkpoint, those displaced residents were compelled to wait for the whole day there before being allowed to proceed

"Drones were hovering overhead, and the junta forces wouldn’t let us pass. We fled from the north to the south of Gwa township with around 50 motorcycles. Over a hundred people had to wait for the entire day, surrounded by the sound of artillery shelling," said a fleeing resident.

The checkpoint that prevented the displaced residents from moving on is located at Ywar Thit Kone bridge on the Gwa-Thandwe road.

"The checkpoint was closed from morning until 6 pm. It reopened around 6:30 pm and then only the villagers can move on

The trapped residents came  from Ku Toet Lay, Tha Byu Chaung, Kyway Chai and Taing Kyoe villages.

Fierce fighting is going on between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army fighters in the vicinity of those villages.

Now the junta forces are conducting airstrikes which scared the villagers.

"The fighting is fierce and airstrikes are also being carried out. Many bombs fell on the villages. So the villagers no longer dare to stay in their places. So they are fleeing for safer locations,” added the resident.

The displaced individuals are now facing difficulties as their cars and motorbikes are being blocked by the junta soldiers three furlongs along the route from Ywar Thit Kone village to Ah Lel Chaung pagoda.