Junta Soldiers Arrest at least 5 Residents in Minbya

 The Junta soldiers have arrested at least five residents from Pan Myaung village in Minbya Township, Rakhine State, according to local residents.

The arrested individuals include U Nga Lone Chey, U Mel Maung, U Than Maung Gyi, all aged over 50, as well as Ko Kyaw San and Ko Gore Chey, both aged over 30. All of them are from Pan Myaung Village in Minbya Township.

Currently, an intense military situation exists between the Arakan Army (AA) and both the military stationed at Aung Mingalar mountain in Pan Myaung village and the Military Council troops stationed at Taung Phyu mountain near Pan Myaung; there is a concern that individuals in the area may have been arrested to be used as human shields, according to a local analyst.

The individuals were arrested by Military Council troops in Pan Myaung village at approximately 10:00 PM on December 11.

"We are uncertain about the reasons for their arrest. Soldiers are stationed in Taung Phyu mountain and Aung Mingalar mountain near Pan Myaung village, indicating their involvement in the arrests. Unfortunately, with the phone lines down, we are unable to contact the village for more details," explained a local woman.

Currently, the whereabouts of the arrested individuals are unknown.

In Pan Myaung Village, Minbya Township, around 2:00 PM on December 11, two military helicopters, artillery shells, and small arms were deployed, firing at nearby villages while soldiers and supplies were being dropped by military helicopters at the Military Council's military bases in Taung Phyu mountain and Aung Mingalar mountain near Pan Myaung village.

As a result, numerous local residents fled to safety from villages like Pan Myaung old village and new village.