The families of junta forces from Buthidaung township in Rakhine State have been relocated to Sittwe bymilitary helicopters.

A Buthidaung resident  told Narinjara News that the families of military and police personnel stayingin Buthidaung were shifted to Sittweon 5 and 6 February.

"The wives & children of soldiers and policemen, who were residing in barracks, were transported to Sittwe bythe helicopters. On that day, therewere aircraft movements 8 to 10 times a day. I observed Mi helicopters also," added theresident.

The frequent clashes in the vicinity of Buthidaung locality and emerging reports of apotential attack by the Arakan Army (AA) fighters on 15th military operations command (MOC-15) stationedin
Buthidaung prompted the relocation for safety concerns.

The remaining battalions, including the division in Buthidaung, frequently discharged multiple rocketsystems and artillery shells overthe town. Kyauktaw and Rathedaung townships were also targeted
almost every day. The artillery shells fired by the battalions in Buthidaung landed in Kha Naung Gyivillage under  Rathedaung township onThursday.

"The military and police forces in Buthidaung are firingartillery shells every day.They fired targeting Rathedaung and some shells fell at Kha Naung Gyi village," said the resident.

There are approximately 10 military battalions and three police battalions under MOC-15 which aredefending their bases in Buthidaung locality.

Many family members of junta forces were also relocated from Kyaukphyu by cargo ships since 5 February.

The families of junta officials and department officers in Sittwe were sent to Yangon as a precautionarymeasure against a potential battle againstthe AA fighters. Many private passenger cars, including departmental vehicles, were also transported to Yangon in thelast week of January by a largecargo ship.