On November 21st, starting at approximately 2:30 PM, residents in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, grew anxious as the sounds of artillery fire persisted for more than half an hour.
Residents reported hearing at least five artillery shots originating from the No. 12 Security Police branch near Satyoekya Jetty and Shwe Mingan Dock.
"The sounds were deafening; with each artillery blast, our house trembled profoundly. The barrage continued at intervals of several minutes, one shell following another. The origin of the shelling remains unknown to us”, a local woman told DMG.
In the wake of renewed clashes with the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, the Military Council has been expanding its outposts and intensifying inspection measures.
"When I heard the artillery shelling, fear gripped me. I rushed to the school and brought my child home, anxious about the possibility of a conflict in town. The uncertainty of what might happen next is deeply troubling”, a woman residing in Satyoekya ward said.
Frightened by the artillery shelling, Sittwe residents hastily closed their shops and headed home early. Witnesses reported an increased presence of Military Council vehicles in the downtown area compared to normal.
"I saw two military vehicles heading downtown. Markets and shops are closing in town, including mine. Everyone is in a panic”, a shop owner from Sittwe reported.
At present, certain residents of Sittwe are finding temporary refuge in areas deemed safe.
DMG is actively investigating the source of artillery fire in Sittwe, determining whether it stems from a nearby conflict between the Military and AA.
