AA imposes maritime transport ban in southern Rakhine State

The Arakha Army (AA) has announced a ban on all travel by boat along the coast of southern Rakhine State’s Thandwe and Gwa townships, as fighting for control of the area continues. In a statement released on August 1, the group—formerly known as the Arakan Army—said the move was intended to disrupt the junta army’s use of civilian vessels to bolster its forces and resupply rations and ammunition. The AA has maintained control over most of Thandwe, including military bases, the airport, and the hotel zone of the popular Ngapali beach, since July 16. However, fighting continues in some parts of the township.The AA has declared its intention to capture all junta bases in the state and currently controls more than half of its 17 townships. In recent weeks, the group has focussed its ongoing offensive on Thandwe, Maungdaw, and Ann townships. It says it also plans to capture Taungup and Gwa townships, both bordering Thandwe. Taungup lies some 50 miles north of Thandwe and serves as a key entry point to Rakhine State from central Myanmar. Gwa, located about 50 miles south of Thandwe, is a major gateway through the delta region. According to a resident of Gwa who spoke to Myanmar Now late last week, the military has recently bolstered its bases there with new troops and increased checkpoints. “Four or five military trucks full of soldiers arrived just yesterday from Ayeyarwady Region,” the local said on Friday. “About two-thirds of the people living here have fled due to potential fighting.” Reinforcements have been sent to Light Infantry Battalions 562 and 563, both based in Gwa, as well as to other army and police battalions stationed in the township, sources said. An increased military presence has also been reported in Taungup, where the regime’s Military Operations Command 5 is based. According to a local resident, helicopters were used to bring more junta troops into the area two months ago. Southern Rakhine State has historically been a stronghold of the National League for Democracy, the ruling party that was ousted by a military coup in February 2021. Support for the AA has also been strong in the township since the group began expanding its control across the state late last year. The AA currently controls Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Ramree townships, as well as Paletwa in Chin State. Meanwhile, restrictions imposed by the regime on overland transport have caused prices to skyrocket. According to locals, many basic goods are now three or four times more expensive than they are in Yangon. “All the roads are blocked. Previously, we could import goods from the mainland via motorcycles, but now they don’t even allow that,” said one Taungup resident. Healthcare has also become extremely difficult to access, he added, noting that Taungup’s 100-bed hospital now has just one doctor. “The hospital also lacks medicine. Sick people either have to travel to Yangon for treatment or stay here without proper care,” he said. Locals also report that both public and private banks are now closed in many parts of the state, and that public employees have not yet received their salaries for July.

AA imposes maritime transport ban in southern Rakhine State

The move comes amid ongoing clashes and severe shortages of essential goods and services in the region

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