Apprehending an AA offensive, junta imposes travel restrictions on Thandwe

Lu Htet Naing

Narinjara News, 30 May 2024

The military junta has imposed travel restrictions on the land and waterways under Thandwe town fearing an offensive by the Arakan Army (AA) in the coming days, said local residents.

"There hasn't been any fighting for many days. The military is reinforcing their presence and security measures have been intensified. Entry and exit points to the town as well as other roads and waterways are now closed. They are seemingly preparing to defend the town. Now the residents cannot move to Yangon even by their own vehicles. They have to pay money (bribe) to obtain the travel permission,” said a resident.

From 25 to 27 May, the junta forces neither conducted airstrikes nor fired artillery shells as there was no clash with the AA fighters.

But they have blocked access to Thandwe via the waterway through Sin Gaung village, which is one of the sea outlets of Thandwe.

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

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

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

Recently, the AA appealed to residents of villages, located 15 miles away from Thandwe, to seek refuge in other villages.

"The PDFs who arrived with AA fighters have almost reached the area. The junta forces have been reinforcing their presence along Ayeyarwady-Gwa road. More than 100 soldiers came by four vehicles," added the resident.

The local villagers are now concerned about the fighting in the coming days.