Amid reports of an impending Arakan Army (AA) attack on Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, hundreds of thousands of residents from both urban and rural areas are fleeing  to safer locations to escape the war, locals said.

"Residents are fleeing Sittwe as rumours of AA's impending capture of the city by the end of this month spread. The exodus is ongoing, with more choosing to refuge in liberated areas, than opting for expensive flights”, a Sittwe resident reported.

According to a source monitoring military situation, the Junta destroyed the Ah Myint Kyun Min Chaung bridge on the Yangon-Sittwe highway with a mine attack, aiming to thwart AA fighters from advancing into Sittwe Township.

"The Ah Myint Kyun Min Chaung Bridge, is the city's only escape route, and it has been destroyed in a mine attack. This means that if there is fighting, then no-one can escape. As a consequence, both urban and rural residents are fleeing,” the Sittwe source added.

In Sittwe, civilians, as well as families of military officers and numerous department officials' families, have hastily departed the city.

AA is currently battling to seize Ponnagyun Township, leading to artillery shells hitting the power grid substation there, rendering Sittwe deprived of electricity from the grid.

 "In Sittwe, both internet and phone connections have been severed, forcing us to depend solely on Mytel sim cards for communication, as other operator services remain inactive. The lack of electricity complicates phone charging, and with fuel prices soaring, access to news becomes increasingly difficult. The situation in neighboring towns is shrouded in uncertainty, driving an exodus in anticipation of potential conflict. By 4:00 pm, the roads are deserted, and by 7:00 pm, an eerie silence descends upon the area”, another Sittwe resident told Narinjara.

He noted that just one-third of the population has remained in the city. Among these are those struggling financially to leave for safer locations, the elderly and their caregivers, and individuals worried about safeguarding their homes from potential theft.

"Using boats, they managed to flee, but they have not reached a liberated area yet. Crossing to the other side costs at least 50,000 MMK per person, making it impossible for those who cannot afford it to escape. At present, running across the river remains the only option for escape”, he explained.

Residents also reported that Junta troops blocked the escape routes from Sittwe, with soldiers and police constructing fortified bunkers, and increasing surveillance along the Kaladan River on the east side of the city.

As a consequence, Sittwe residents are unable to flee during the day, compelling them to cross the river in small boats at night, risking their lives in their desperate attempt to escape, a local said.

He further remarked that the Junta's decision to prevent people from fleeing in a battle between armed forces is akin to, using the people as human shields.

"If a conflict erupts, the Junta forces will undoubtedly use the people as hostages. During armed engagement, civilians should have the right to escape. Preventing someone from fleeing out of fear means holding them hostage”, he said.

An aid worker advised Narinjara that if people are unable to flee to liberated areas, they should stockpile food in advance, take shelter in sturdy buildings nearby, and make escape plans.

Currently the majority of those still in Sittwe find themselves unable to flee owing to their lack of funds and the Junta forces obstructing escape routes. Residents are urging AA to facilitate additional avenues for escape in times of conflict.

In Rakhine State, Junta forces and AA have been locked in conflict since November 13th, 2023. Since the resumption of the conflict , AA has succeeded in capturing 9 towns, among them 6 major towns, along with the Junta’s military bases, police stations, tactical operation command bases, and battalion headquarters.

As of now, AA is actively engaging the Junta battalions in Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyaukphyu, Ramree, and Ann townships, while also striving to capture additional towns.