RAKHINE STATE – As battles intensify near the town of Gwa, civilians flee into neighbouring Ayeyarwaddy Division but are banned from staying in the villages by junta appointed administration officers who are scared that there might be Arakan Army (AA) members mixed in, making things difficult for the displaced people, reported the displaced people.
Displaced people from Gwa arrived at Thidar Konepyin and Letpanpin Village in Ngataichaung Sub Township, Yaykyi Township, Ayeyarwaddy Division on December 6 morning but were denied entry by junta administration officers saying that there could be AA members mixed in among the displaced people. As a result, the displaced people who fled from Gwa are said to be in the midst of troubles.
“Many displaced people from Gwa arrived at Thidar Konepyin and Letpanpin Village this morning (December 6). The residents of the village welcomed them but the junta appointed administration officers did not allow them to enter, saying there could be AA members. Now they are having a hard time,” said a displaced Rakhine person.
The displaced people who fled to Ayeyarwaddy are said to be from Gwa Township, Rahaikwin Village, Rahaikatoh Village, Kyaukgyi Village, Rahaiphyar Village and Kunyarshay Village.
Currently, the battles between AA and the junta council have reached extremely close to Gwa Town since December 2 with intense fighting everyday. It is said that the junta council is mainly defending using its air force while the infantry troops are retreating into Gwa.
“The enemy junta council suffered heavy casualties and its air force is clearing their path of retreat. The Arakan Army continues to capture one junta base after another. Soon, there will be evident changes in Gwa,” said an AA frontline source.
