The junta forces have been searching for Arakan Army (AA) camps along with some localresidents inclined to the AA in Taungup township of Rakhine State.

On 8 September, more than 20 junta soldiers arrived atChaung Thon Kwa village and searched for Ko Myint Oo, said the residents.

"They came with weapons and looked at his farmhut. Later they went to the direction of Nat Thet Chaung creek,” said onevillager.

The junta column entered into another farm hut andtalked to the residents,  “Where are theAAs? Do you know the camp?" they questioned.

Residents reveal that there have been constantmilitary council activities in their localities.

On 7 September, about 30 junta soldiers went to LatyarStai village of Khu village-tract. Similarly, on 9 September, more than 30 soldiers roamed inside severalvillages. Next day, over 30 soldiers came in two cars and a caravan and campedat Nyaung Paok monastery.

An official of Taungup Youth Network informed that thearmy troops did patrolling and also conducted interrogation programs with thepeople on AA issues.

"The soldiers want to show their strength.Theyalso prefer their domination in our aress,” he added.

Military presence andactivities are observed in the townships of Rambree, Kyauk Phyu and Taungup.Till date, 6 youths have been arrested in Kyauk Phyu and Gwa townshipssuspecting their association with the AA.

Last July, the villagers witnessed reconnaissancesearches by the junta forces with the help of drones in various locations forAA camps in Rathidaung, Buthedaung and Mrauk U townships.

AA has  more than 30,000 combat troops andit had reachedan informal ceasefire with the military junta in November 2022.Currently several Rakhine rural areas are under its control.