In Rakhine State, there has been a noticeable increase in artillery firing exercises conducted from the Military Council's naval bases along the coastline in recent times.

Rakhine Daily, a news outlet affiliated with the Military Council, reported that artillery shelling exercises are scheduled to take place in the waters surrounding the Military Council's naval base located on Munaung Island on both September 27th and 28th.

Rakhine Daily also noted that relevant organizations have been duly informed in advance of the military exercise schedule.

"We received a notice in advance. We've been instructed to advise people in our area not to be alarmed by the artillery fire and to emphasize the importance of avoiding the restricted area altogether”, a village elder from Munaung told DMG.

Fishermen from nearby villages have temporarily halted their fishing activities in response to the announcement of artillery drills to be conducted in the sea.

"We were given advance notice that their artillery drill would span two days, so we refrained from heading out to sea for fishing during that time. They also cautioned fishing trawlers against venturing into the sea or anchoring near the shoreline”, a local fisherman said.

On September 24th, Military Council warships conducted sea exercises at a location situated approximately 15.5 miles southwest of Mayu Point, near Sittwe Township, 18 miles northwest of the oil rig, and 15.5 miles southwest of Oyster Lighthouse, approximately 27.5 miles from the coastline.

Politician U Aung Thaung Shwe has asserted that the Military Council's artillery drill display is merely a superficial demonstration of their military power.

DMG tried to reach out to Rakhine State Minister for Security and Border Affairs, Colonel Kyaw Thura, for comments on the naval exercises; however, no response was received.

It has been over 10 months since the cessation of hostilities between the Military Council and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, which was initiated on humanitarian grounds.