Junta increases military presence in Manaung Township

Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 18 August 2024

As fighting spreads to 16 townships (out of 17) in  Arakan State, the junta forces start increasing military presence in the remaining township named Manaung.

The local  residents reported that armed forces deployment became visible in the township. Since the first week of August, more soldiers have been deployed at the airfield, police station, general administration office along with  Thit Pone village and the jetty. The entry and exit points for the town are being put under strict surveillance.

“Security at Thit Pone jetty has been intensified. As the  Arakan Army (AA) fighters are capturing the towns one after another, the junta soldiers have fortified the entire Manaung locality,” said a resident.

With an aim to face  any AA offensive on Manaung, the soldiers are being deployed on warships in  several locations like  near Kyauk Ni Maw and Tha Yet Cho villages in Ramree, mouth of Thit Pone creek in Manaung across Tha Yet Cho village, Manaung lighthouse and Ye Island.

Many military boats have been positioned near the warships, added the resident. As Manaung is part of a major waterway, a number of warships and military boats have been stationed there.

Along Myay Ni Taung (also known as Taung Ni Taung), located 12 miles southwest of Manaung, the junta forces expanded the outposts and also laid a number of landmines.

The soldiers from warships and military boats continue to dock at the mouth of Thit Pone creek and they are also inspecting the fishing boats and passenger vessels at the sea. Allegations are floated that they are also extorting money from the villagers.

The AA fighters continue their attacks on Maungdaw, Maung Shwe Lay naval base in Thandwe with other locations in Gwa.  The  junta forces anticipate that they have expanded their presence around Manaung Island too.