Hundreds trapped as clashes intensify on Myanmar’s Magway-Rakhine border

Hundreds remain trapped near the Magway-Rakhine border this week, as intensified clashes between junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA) leave civilians caught in the crossfire, local sources report. At least 300 people have been displaced after fighting increased along Ann-Padan road, Magway Region, since last year. The displaced people report they are in desperate need of medical assistance and food. “We are struggling to get food and medicine for the children and elderly who are stuck here,” a displaced woman told Myanmar Now. “The situation is really bad. The junta doesn’t even allow sick patients to pass through their checkpoint.” Junta arson attacks in November destroyed over 100 homes in the minority Chin villages of Bone Baw and Kywe Ta Li, both located in Ngape Township. The fires have forced dozens of people to flee for their lives since late last year. Sources say regime troops are responsible for the arson attacks after they suffered heavy losses, starting fires in retreat. On Tuesday, the AA ramped up attacks across junta-controlled areas of Magway Region. A junta outpost in Ngape Township’s Goke Gyi Village came under fire from resistance groups earlier this week. The village lies along a key route in Ngape Township, close to the border with Ann, a township the AA fully secured in December. Magway Region has become a hotspot for intensified fighting as resistance forces launched major offensives in recent months. At the same time, the regime has reinforced its battalions outside of Ngape Township in order to strengthen its defences near the Magway-Rakhine border in anticipation of further attacks.Local sources told Myanmar Now that a 40-vehicle junta convoy was heading to a base near a mobile tower station, about 15 miles northwest of Goke Gyi. The area hosts three artillery battalions, including the No. 905 Artillery Command, as well as two weapons factories. The escalating conflict near the Magway-Rakhine border is leading to a deepening humanitarian crisis, as displaced civilians and resistance groups brace for further clashes.

Hundreds trapped as clashes intensify on Myanmar’s Magway-Rakhine border

Displaced civilians face food and medical shortages as fighting escalates between junta forces and the Arakan Army in contested areas of Magway Region

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