Residents of Rakhine State’s southernmost Gwa Township say they are facing tight security as they flee to neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region to escape clashes between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army (AA).
Fighting in the township began on August 10, when the AA, which already controls nearly all of Thandwe Township to the north, began attacking a junta stronghold near Kyeintali, a town located about halfway between the two townships’ administrative centres.
As the clashes escalated, many residents of the area began fleeing to towns just across the border, including Ngathaingchaung, Yegyi, Ahthoke, and Kyonpyaw, while others have travelled as far away as Pathein, Hinthada, and Thabaung.
However, Gwa residents say they are now required to present official letters issued by the junta-controlled General Administration Department before they. . .
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