An Interview with a woman from Ann about the current situation in the town, including intense fighting and civilian displacement
Intense fighting continues in Ann Township, Arakan State, between the Arakha Army (AA) and the military junta forces. The military’s Magway Air Base is conducting airstrikes around Ann town and other battle areas.
Currently, as fighting approaches the town, local residents are fleeing to mainland Myanmar via the Ann-Minbu road. Local sources report that about three-quarters of the town’s population has already been displaced.
Narinjara News conducted this interview with a woman from Ann to learn more about the ongoing fighting and the latest situation regarding the civilian displacement.
Q: What’s the current situation in Ann? How’s the fighting? Can you hear the sounds of [gunfire]?
A: Yesterday, 14 October, there were bombings all day. Planes flew right over our roofs and bombed areas closest to town. We had to hide. It was really frightening. The sounds are much closer to town than before. We had no idea exactly where they were bombing, but it’s very close.
I even cried. I was so scared I thought my heart was going to stop beating. The AA responded with heavy weapons. Then the military dropped more bombs. This back-and-forth continued. Last night until midnight and 1am, we could hear both heavy and light weapons firing nearby. I couldn’t sleep all night.
Q: Which areas of Ann town have you heard are being bombed?
A: They’re mainly targeting areas around their military positions. There are many villages near these bases. Ann has several military bases: Western Command, Infantry Battalions 373 and 371, COD, Artillery Unit, and Medical Corps. The bombing is happening all around town from four directions. I heard they’re also bombing near Dar Let village.
The bomb explosions are so powerful they make the ground shake in town. They’re bombing very close to town. I think they’re bombing the villages near their bases to prevent the AA from attacking their military positions. But that’s just my opinion.
Q: What’s the current situation with local residents? Have they fled?
A: People have been fleeing for the past few days. Shop owners are selling their goods at discounted prices to prepare for evacuation to the mainland. Motorcycles are being sold for 200,000 kyats. Items that used to cost 1 million kyats are now being sold for 200,000-300,000 kyats as people flee. People are so scared that there are now long queues of people waiting to get permission documents to evacuate from town.
Q: Why do they need these travel documents? How long does it take to get them?
A: First, you need a medical certificate that costs 11,000 kyats. Then you need several more travel documents from the ward administrator, police, and immigration office. It can’t be done in one day. With so many people, it takes at least a week. They don’t allow people to evacuate toward Ann Township – those roads are closed.
Going to Minbu isn’t easy either. They demand various documents. Including all permits and transportation costs, it’s nearly 100,000 kyats per person. For each required document, you need to make three copies, costing 4,000 kyats per person for photocopying.
Q: Are there difficulties in fleeing the conflict? Have you heard if people can travel to places other than Minbu?
A: It’s very difficult without relatives to help. Everyone from Ann is fleeing to Pa Dan and Minbu. We hear people aren’t allowed to go beyond Minbu. They say if you try to go beyond Minbu, they strictly check 11/ NRC holders and don’t allow entry.
Q: Thank you for answering our questions.
A: Thank you.
Sent by Narinjara News.
