Residents flee to safer places as urban war escalated in Ann and Kyauktaw

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.