The military junta has begun reinforcing troops and supplies in Manaung, after losing its two entrenched battalions in Thandwe Township, Arakan State, according to local sources.
Locals report that, via Manaung airport, the junta has reinforced its troops at the Hmyaw Taw Oo naval base, located ten miles south of the town, while additional warships have been deployed in the waters off Kha Ohn Maw village.
“There has been no fighting yet, but we are seeing more military movements. The locals now no longer feel safe. The junta is not letting anyone leave either,” said a Manaung resident.
As the military junta has imposed restrictions on the movement of the local population, the locals are facing shortage of essentials, he added.
In the western state of Myanmar, Manaung and Gwa are the only townships where no fighting has taken place. With the current military activities, locals in Manaung, who are not familiar with armed conflicts, are concerned.
According to local reports, the military junta troops have firmly positioned themselves at Manaung airport and the town hall and has increased security at the checkpoints at entry and exit of the town.
Since the Arakan Army (AA) opened a battlefront in southern Arakan, the junta has had the Manaung airport repaired for military use.
Previously, Myanmar National Airlines had operated a small 10-seater aircraft on the Yangon – Manaung- Sittwe – Kyaukphyu route, but this was discontinued after the military coup.
“If the fighting intensifies in Kyaukphyu and Taungup, which are near Manaung, they could use Manaung airport for reinforcement. That’s why the junta is preparing the airport in advance,” says a military and political observer.
Currently, the AA is conducting operations to capture Maungdaw and Thandwe towns, while cutting off and attacking military junta battalion headquarters in Ann, Taungoke, and Kyaukphyu Townships.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).