Narinjara News, 30 May 2024

The military junta hasimposed travel restrictions on the land and waterways under Thandwe townfearing an offensive by the Arakan Army (AA) in the coming days, saidlocal residents.

"There hasn't been anyfighting for many days. The military is reinforcing their presence and securitymeasures have been intensified. Entry and exit points to the town as well asother roads and waterways are now closed. They are seemingly preparing todefend the town. Now the residents cannot move to Yangon even by their ownvehicles. They have to pay money (bribe) to obtain the travel permission,” saida resident.

From 25 to 27 May, the juntaforces neither conducted airstrikes nor fired artillery shells as there was noclash with the AA fighters.

But they have blocked accessto Thandwe via the waterway through Sin Gaung village, which is one of the seaoutlets of Thandwe.

Moreover, the junta forceshave reinforced their presence in Kin Maw village, which is accessible by thewaterway through Sin Gaung village with Thandwe town.

"Since the ShweHlay-Thandwe road is inaccessible, residents of Shwe Hlay sub-township startedtravelling to Kin Maw village via Sin Gaung village, which is around four milesaway from the fighting location,” added the resident.

Sin Gaung village, locatedin the northwest of Thandwe town, serves as a gateway to the world-famousNgapali beach. Navy vessels of the junta are now stationed on the route.

Recently, the AA appealed toresidents of villages, located 15 miles away from Thandwe, to seek refuge inother villages.

"The PDFs who arrivedwith AA fighters have almost reached the area. The junta forces have beenreinforcing their presence along Ayeyarwady-Gwa road. More than 100 soldierscame by four vehicles," added the resident.

The local villagers are nowconcerned about the fighting in the coming days.