August 15th, 2022
Clashes broke out between the Arakan Army (AA) and military council troops between Done Paik and Chein Khar Li villages in Mayu Mountains in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State, at about 8 a.m. on August 13th, forcing some 700 locals to leave their homes for safety.
As the fighting took place only about a mile from Chein Khar Li villages, all villagers had to flee to safety, said a vilalge elder who did not want to be named.
“We fled the village because we believe the fighting is between the two sides. The whole village has fled. Some people have fled to the mountains, while others have taken shelter in Koe Tan Kauk and Inn Din villages. I fled to the mountains with my family. My daughter has a child, and I do not even know where she is now,” he said.
Another resident said he heard light and heavy artillery fire from the Mayu Mountains and was very concerned that the lives of local people were in danger.
“No one has fled our village yet. At the moment, I think the fighting is between Chein Khar Li and Done Paik villages. We can only hear sounds of heavy artillery fire. But we have to keep an eye on the situation,” he said.
The spokesman of AA, U Khaing Thukha, was contacted at the time of reporting, while the call to the spokesman of the military council, Major General Zaw Min Tun, went unanswered.
AA had warned at the Aug 11th press conference that people in Rakhine State should remain vigilant and travel with caution as fighting with junta forces could flare up again if the military council continues to make arbitrary arrests.
In Rakhine State, tensions between AA and the military council are high and have led to clashes between the two sides in Maungdaw and Paletwa townships, followed by ongoing fighting in Rathedaung township.
The AA previously stated that troops have withdrawn from seven junta camps due to the current heightened tensions.
Sent by DMG