The junta forces have been searching for Arakan Army (AA) camps along with some local
residents inclined to the AA in Taungup township of Rakhine State.
"They came with weapons and looked at his farm
hut. Later they went to the direction of Nat Thet Chaung creek,” said one
villager.
The junta column entered into another farm hut and
talked to the residents, “Where are the
AAs? Do you know the camp?" they questioned.
Residents reveal that there have been constant military council activities in their localities.
On 7 September, about 30 junta soldiers went to Latyar
Stai village of Khu village-tract. Similarly, on 9 September, more than 30 soldiers roamed inside several
villages. Next day, over 30 soldiers came in two cars and a caravan and camped
at Nyaung Paok monastery.
An official of Taungup Youth Network informed that the
army troops did patrolling and also conducted interrogation programs with the
people on AA issues.
"The soldiers want to show their strength.They
also prefer their domination in our aress,” he added.
Military presence and
activities are observed in the townships of Rambree, Kyauk Phyu and Taungup.
Till date, 6 youths have been arrested in Kyauk Phyu and Gwa townships
suspecting their association with the AA.
Last July, the villagers witnessed reconnaissance
searches by the junta forces with the help of drones in various locations for
AA camps in Rathidaung, Buthedaung and Mrauk U townships.
AA has more than 30,000 combat troops and
it had reached
an informal ceasefire with the military junta in November 2022.
Currently several Rakhine rural areas are under its control.