Hundreds of thousands of Sittwe residents flee amid reports of impending AA attack

Hundreds of thousands of local residents from both urban and rural areas in Sittwe have been fleeing to seek refuge in other places as there are reports that the Arakan Army (AA) may attack the Rakhine capital city very soon.

"They are fleeing after hearing reports that AA will capture Sittwe. Currently, more people are moving to the liberated areas,” said a local resident.

Myanmar military had already destroyed Ah Myint Kyun Min Chaung bridge on Yangon-Sittwe highway with a mine attack to prevent the AA fighters from entering Sittwe locality, only heightening the public concerns.

"Destroying the important bridge has effectively trapped the city residents. The residents are apprehensive about their escape in case of escaping conflicts. So they are now fleeing, taking time on their hands,” added the resident.

Not only the civilians, but also the families belonging to military officers and other  department officials also left the city.

The  AA fighters are currently in a mission to  capture Ponnagyun township. As the

 artillery shells hit the power grid substation in the township, many  Sittwe residents were deprived of power electricity from the grid.

"Both the internet and phone connections have been restricted in Sittwe. We can communicate with others by Mytel service only. As there is no electricity, we can not charge our phone sets. Moreover, the fuel prices are increasing. People are already fleeing due to reports of imminent conflicts," said another resident.

Now  only one-third of the Sittwe population remain in their places. Those who are yet to move out include individuals with financial challenges,  elderly residents and their caretakers and those who are concerned about theft in their residences.

"Many of them  escaped using boats. It costs at least Kyats 50,000 kyat per person to arrive on the other side of the river,” added the resident.

However, the  junta forces have prevented those fleeing Sittwe. The soldiers and police personnel  have erected bunkers and increased their monitoring along Kaladan river on the east side of Sittwe. So the residents are crossing the river in small boats during  night hours.

The junta soldiers are probably planning to use the residents as human shields and hence they are preventing the public movements.

"If the conflict arises, the soldiers will use the people as hostages. Preventing someone from fleeing due to fear is really unfortunate,”  stated the resident.

A social worker advised the people who may not be able to escape to liberated areas to prepare themselves in advance and seek refuge in sturdy buildings with arrangements for food and other items.

The soldiers and  AA fighters have been engaged in gun fighting since 13 November in various parts of the Rakhine region. Till now, the AA has seized control over nine  towns as well as junta’s military bases, police stations, tactical operation command bases and battalions.