- Web Master
- August 16, 2024
It has
been reported that the residents of Ann town, where the western region command
is located, and Kyauk Taw Town, where Sakaha (9) military strategic command is
located, have been fleeing for safety.
The 9th military operations command (MOC-9), based in
Kyauktaw township, began firing artillery shells and deployed multiple launch
rocket systems (MLRS) near Tinma (Taung Shay mountain) tactical operation
command base, close to Kyauktaw township. This base has faced offensives from
the Arakan Army (AA) since 25 December.
The ongoing artillery shell-firing has caused
fear among the residents, raising concerns about the potential escalation to
urban warfare. Consequently, the residents have been seeking refuge in
different locations since 27 December.
The residents from Myo Thit, Pyi Taw Thar, Shan Ywar
and Pike The wards in Kyauktaw locality were displaced by the conflicts.
"The current situation in Kyauktaw township is
seemingly stable, but the people find it difficult to predict the situation.
Continuous battles to capture the town are going on, causing an exodus. Only a
few families remain in their places,” said a Kyauktaw resident.
Likewise on 31 December, following the AA capture of
the military camps in Kazu Kaing and Dar Let village-tracts under Ann
township, the junta forces launched artillery shells and conducted
airstrikes. They also deployed soldiers along the town bypass road and
residential areas. These military activities have threatened the residents and
they start fleeing to safer areas.
"In Ann locality, the residents could not flee as
the junta forces closed all the roads to prevent their departure. The junta
troops have also used the residents as human shields. However, those living
near the town escaped. Depending on the situation, they fled to various
locations,” explained a resident of Ann.
Moreover, as a result of the ongoing battles in
Rakhine State since 13 November, tens of thousands of residents from
Pauktaw, Ponna Kyunt, Minbya and Mrauk-U townships left their places to
seek refuge in different localities.
Due to the third resurgence-battle between the AA and
junta forces in the Rakhine region, the number of internally displaced people
increased to 300,000, where over 50,000 individuals had already been
displaced, according to organizations which are supporting the IDPs.