Junta's departmental vehicles relocated to Yangon from Sittwe by a large ship

Amid fears of potential conflicts, the privately owned cars including those belonging to military junta officials and also departmental vehicles are now being sent to Yangon by  a large cargo ship from Sittwe port.

During the first week of February, over 70 passenger cars belonging to junta officials were loaded in a cargo ship and shifted to Yangon from a Korean port near Shwe Pyar ward of Sittwe township.

"Those were all ‘black and white’ passenger vehicles, including some cars belonging to junta’s departmental officers and some rich individuals, which were relocated to Yangon,” said a local resident.

 A military analyst believes that as  the Arakan Army (AA) expands its control in northern Rakhine localities, the junta officials fear conflicts in Sittwe, the seat of State government, and hence they start shifting their vehicles.

"Now we cannot rule out the possibility of conflicts in Sittwe. Even the Sittwe regional operations command (ROC) may also face the AA offensive in the coming days. So the ministers have started preparations to move from Sittwe in advance,” he added.

According to a reliable source, the cars belonging to the central supervisory committee for motor vehicles, known as Ma Hta Tha, will also be relocated soon.

"Currently, Ma Hta Tha plans to transport the cars to Yangon. The first shipment will consist of around 70 cars. Given the ongoing conflicts in Ponnagyun, it is likely that the departmental  vehicles are already being relocated to Yangon. I heard, the ship recently departed from Yangon,” the source added.

Since 13 November, the AA has been maintaining its offensive against the junta's military bases and till date the AA fighters have  captured  over 200 installations, including both large and small camps, as well as many battalions.

The AA now  controls Pauktaw, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Paletwa townships.

Moreover, the AA has gained control over Taung Pyo Let Wae and Taung Pyo Let Yar towns of  Maungdaw locality adjacent to the Bangladesh  border. The AA has already expanded its control over the India bordering areas.

Intense battles between the junta forces and AA members are now going on

Rathedaung, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Ponnagyun, Ramree (Yanbye) and Kyaukphyu townships.

As the conflicts erupted, the family members of junta officials were shifted to Yangon and Naypyitaw from Sittwe. There are reports that if the conflict arises in Sittwe, all the government offices will be shifted to Thandwe township for ensuring the continuity of operations.