Hundreds of Villagers Fear Flee due to Intensifying Clashes in Minbra township

By Song Zar Chei, 27 July 2019:

Hundreds of local residents have reportedly fear fled from the villages of Minbra township due to consecutive intensifying fighting between Arakan Army and Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) near Kalarmataung mountains ranges about a mile from the villages since this morning, the displaced villagers said.

“The fighting broke out this morning around seven o'clock. It was so serious. The whole villagers, about four hundred people displaced including men and women. Only old people left,” a village’s leader said.

The displacement of the villagers believed to have reached about 1000 people in Minbra down town  after the first clashes nearby Kalarmataung mountains.

“ The fighting is so heavy and severe. We are hearing tremendous explosion. The villagers are scared and run away to the nearby villages. No adults remain here anymore.” a woman from Kalarmataung village told Narinjara News.

Arakan Army spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said,   " I can confirm it. But, I cannot say how it is happening. And, they are still fighting not finish yet."

Asking about the fighting to the military information, Senior Brigader General Win Zaw Oo said that he is not available to reply now and more clashes are supposed to be serious as more troops are reinforced.

Arakan Army have issued its latest statement that the fighting escalated on July 26 in war-torn regions of Rakhine such as Mrauk Oo, Kyauk Taw and Buthidaung.