Junta forces block 2 Kyaukphyu village-tracts following AA's advice residents to flee

Kant Kaw Ni Ni

Narinjara News, 4 May 2024

The junta forces have blocked two village-tracts in Kyaukphyu township of Rakhine State following the advice of Arakha Army (AA) for the residents to flee due to a possible intense fighting and now they are unable to escape the clashes.

The residents of Gone Chwein and Ohn Taw village-tracts in Kyaukphyu are being trapped in their places.

A local woman from Gone Chwein village-tract said that the  AA fighters advised the residents to flee by 27 April. But the junta soldiers blocked their escape routes.

This village-tract comprises Gone Chwein, Aung Zedi, Sae Poke Kay, Lel Dar Pyin, Inn Gyi Nar, Ma Kyee Htet Pyin and Kari new villages with a minimum of 1,600 households.

On the other hand, Ohn Taw village-tract comprises Ohn Taw, Wet San, Kyauk Pyin Seik, Kone Baung and Pyine Sae Kay villages.

The lady also added that Gone Chwein village-tract residents have only two routes through Mala Kyun and Ohn Taw to come out from these villages. But junta soldiers were stationed to block these routes at Mala Kyun Zedi Taung and Kyaukphyu Taung on  Ohn Taw road. The 32nd Doe Tan Taung police battalion also made it impossible for the residents to flee.

"If we want to escape the conflict, we only have two roads in our villages. However, both of these roads are blocked by the junta soldiers. Some villagers managed to flee by any possible means. But it's a challenging situation for us as we have elderly people and minors at home,” she stated.

The junta soldiers  are conducting night patrols with vehicles and carrying out daily house searches under the guise of inspecting overnight guest registrations.

The AA fighters besieged Kyaukphyu and Sittwe and its’ apprehended that they would launch an offensive soon.

"Sittwe and Kyaukphyu have been besieged. Our aim is to reclaim all ancestral lands. It includes the entire Rakhine State," said AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha while talking to VOA News.

The  junta has adopted robust defensive measures to protect both the major towns in Rakhine State from falling into the hands of AA. They have also planted landmines and naval mines surrounding the town areas.