Following the battle near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, the military council intensified heavy shelling, and security measures within the city remained tight, according to residents.
The fighting occurred between the junta soldiers and the Arakan Army (AA) in the area between the WarBo and MinHla villages in Sittwe township, as well as near the AmyintKyun village on 29 August. According to a military news source, the junta troops sustained significant casualties and were forced to retreat.
Following this, the junta troops and naval forces have been conducting daily heavy shelling on Ponnagyun town and the Rathedaung Township near Sittwe City, according to a aforementioned news source.
He said: “Following the battle, the junta troops and naval forces have been conducting daily heavy shelling targeting villages near the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border and as well as villages near Rathedaung Township border. There have also been instances of shelling targeting fishing boats on the river.”
(The original story does not specify which river is being referred to.)
There were at least eight instances of heavy shelling on the morning of 31 August.
There had previously been no direct battles between the two sides(junta and AA), only landmine attacks in Sittwe Township. However, confrontations(direct battles) are now occurring.
According to a resident, the junta has tightened security within Sittwe City following the battles that took place 5 miles from the city.
A resident said: “The junta troops have tightened security within the City. At night, there are more checkpoints and security measures compared to before. The junta troops and naval forces also conduct daily heavy shelling.”
Shelling by the junta's naval forces in Sittwe Township on 28 and 29 August resulted in the deaths of two civilians from SharPyinGyi village in Rathedaung Township and injuries to four others. Additionally, two civilians from KyeinKweyMaw village in Pauktaw Township were also injured.
Assessments suggest that confrontations in Sittwe Township have prompted the junta to respond with heavy shelling, likely out of fear of the Arakan Army's attacks. Consequently, security within the city has been significantly tightened.
Military and political analyst, U Pe Than said: “ The junta's "Arakan State Government" is left merely a nominal entity. Those who are officially part of this so-called government also face security challenges even in Sittwe City. If the fighting intensifies further, they will also flee from Sittwe City.”
He further said that after the Arakan Army captures Maungdaw town, which is currently fighting, they could potentially launch an offensive on Sittwe City using a military strategy that would minimize civilian casualties.
The junta has not only fortified positions around Sittwe City with landmines but is also continuing to arrest and detain civilians under suspicion.
Within over 9 months of fighting in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army has captured 10 townships and is actively launching an offensive to fully capture Maungdaw and Thandwe townships.
