Conflicts have erupted between Military Council troops and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rathedaung Township and Minbya Township in Rakhine State.
Reports indicate intense fighting between the Military Council and the Arakan Army (AA) has been ongoing since 4:00 a.m. on November 13 near Chein Khar Li village and Done Pike village in Rathedaung Township, near the Mayu mountains.
According to local sources, the Arakan Army (AA) is launching attacks on the Chein Khar Li and Done Pike border guard outposts along the Ah Ngu Maw-Maungdaw highway. The conflict remains intense, and Military Council battalions stationed in Rathedaung Township reportedly provide support with artillery shells.
"I was asleep and awakened to the sound of gunfire. The noise of weapons resembled crackling popcorn. Even now, I can still hear artillery shells and small arms," shared U Aung Than from Koe Tan Kauk village, located near the battle site.
Due to the escalating intensity of the fighting, residents from Chein Khar Li, Done Pike, Sin Pike, Kyan Taing Aung, and Koe Tan Kauk are currently evacuating to ensure their safety.
"We heard gunfire since 4 a.m. this morning. We began fleeing around 5 o'clock. The entire village evacuated, and now we are taking refuge in the Mayu mountains," shared a resident of Chein Khar Li village in Rathedaung Township.
There are also reports of a skirmish that occurred on the Yangon-Sittwe road near Phay Thar Pyin village and Phar Pyo (Chin) village in Minbya Township today after 7:00 a.m.
It is reported that members of the Arakan Army (AA) intercepted the Military Council convoy departing from Minbya Township to the No. 9 Advanced Training School near Kanni village, close to Phay Thar Pyin and Phar Pyo (Chin) villages.
"The Arakan Army intercepted the Military Council vehicles heading towards the No. 9 Advanced Training School. We heard that a vehicle was damaged. The sound of artillery shells firing can still be heard," said a Phar Pyo (Chin) villager.
DMG is currently in the process of contacting Rakhine State Military Council Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Kyaw Thuya and Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thukha regarding the ongoing fighting.
Through the mediation of Sasakawa, since November 26, 2022, the Military Council troops and the Arakan Army (AA) were able to achieve a ceasefire in Rakhine State, which lasted for about 1 year. However, the fighting has now resumed.
