Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 14 March 2025 

Junta forces have apprehended four Arakanese traders in Padan Township, Magway Region, on suspicion of connections to the Arakan Army (AA). 

The apprehended individuals are middle-aged and hail from Tan Tin Village, located in Ann Township, Arakan State. 

A male inhabitant of Padan informed Narinjara News that the individuals were moving products from Ann Township to Padan Township when they were apprehended near a lake beside Sue Padaung village. The capture took place while the military unit of the junta was withdrawing following skirmishes close to the village on the night of March 12. 

He stated, "Yesterday, a confrontation occurred between the military unit moving towards Nat Yae Kan and the resistance fighters close to Sue Padaung village. The soldiers of the junta who withdrew from the region seized the traders.” 

A male inhabitant of Ann also communicated with Narinjara News, mentioning that the junta forces charged the men with being AA soldiers, detained them, and transported them to the Sone Kone Artillery Battalion. 

He stated, "The junta believes that the Arakanese are AA soldiers." They are merely trading products, such as livestock and non-perishable items. Since the road is closed, they are utilizing the sole path open for their income. To the best of my knowledge, they were transferred to the Sone Kone Artillery Battalion." 

Access has been limited at intersections in Padan Township, and residents are being searched after clashes near Sue Padaung village, which is 15 miles from Padan Town, on March 12.

The junta is sending military columns from Magway City to the front line at the Nat Yae Kan tactical operations command along the Ann-Padan road near Ngape Town. Nonetheless, the columns are being obstructed by AA and resistance forces. 

Local residents state that, as the junta forces experience considerable losses, they are engaging in war crimes by attacking innocent civilians and utilizing them as human shields.