Kyaukphyu residents said that the soldiers have builtat least 10 bunkers and deployed their artillery units in the creek-areasaround the town to prevent the entry of AA members.
A young activist from Kyaukphyu said that the juntaforces had erected bunkers around the town and are now stationed there. Theyhave also restricted people from moving in those areas where the bunkers areconstructed, he added.
Along the dyke from Pyin Phyu Maw in Nga Pa Pwayt wardof Kyaukphyu township to O Lel Seik in Ku Lar Bar Taung ward, at least 10bunkers were built. Over 60 junta troops have been stationed thereall day and night hours, said the residents.
A local youth from Kyaukphyu said that the bunkerswere built along the dam. A number of machine guns and 60mm mortars havebeen positioned there. They apprehend that the AA members may enter through thecreek areas and launch the attacks, he added.
Residents also stated that in Nga La Pwayt ward of Kyauk Phyutownship along the creek, over 40 junta soldiers have made bunkers.
On 22 December 2023 in Kyauk Phyu township, clasheserupted as the AA members attacked a military vehicle near the Thit PokeTaung Dhanyawadi naval base.
At around 10:30 am on 23 December, a clash eruptedbetween Sane town and Ah Wa Taung village under Kyauk Phyu township.According to a statement issued by Three Brotherhood Alliance, at least fourjunta soldiers sustained injuries in the clash.
Despite the escalating conflicts in many townships ofRakhine State, the junta signed the addendum for the deep seaport project underthe special economic zone with the Chinese agencies on 26 December.
The junta-run newspapers promoted the idea that thedeep-sea port project would create job opportunities to the Rakhinepeople. However, the locals are concerned about losing their farming land andfishing sites, as it happened to the Shwe natural gas project that gave abillion dollars to the junta, but did not benefit the local community.
Currently, the junta has restricted the travel andfishing rights for the Kyauk Phyu residents through a local order, which hasresulted in food shortages and hardship to the local residents.