Sixteen schools in the western part of the Ngawan River, specifically in Laymyet Nar Township of Hinthada District, Ayeyarwady Region, have been closed since Friday, June 20, due to escalating hostilities between the Arakan Army (AA) and the People's Defense Forces (PDF) against junta forces.
The affected schools are located in villages including Hlaw Ka Daw, Saw Pyar, Chin Kone, San Wa, Kya Kyaw, Tha Nu Kone, Zee Pin Kwin, and Ye Phyu, according to a local resident.
"The closures of the schools, located in and around Rakhine Yoma on the west bank of the Ngawan River, began on Friday. Teachers are being reassigned to schools in the city," the resident reported.
Fighting has intensified since June 15, with armed clashes occurring between the Arakan Army, Joint Revolutionary Forces, and Myanmar military forces along the Pathein-Monywa road in Laymyet Nar Township, leading to significant displacement among local villagers.
Reports indicate that the Arakan Army and the People's Defense Forces (PDF) have been launching attacks on military council troops stationed in the villages along the Pathein-Monywa road.
"The military council is also utilizing air power and drones, with Y-12 aircraft frequently observed in the area," the resident added.
Moreover, the AA-led joint forces have reportedly captured police outposts in Ye Phyu and Thaenu Gone near the Pathein-Monywa road, prompting villagers to seek refuge in Laymyet Nar town.
The fighting has now reached proximity to Nga Thaing Chaung town, raising concerns that the military council may impose a curfew. Local residents anticipate that a curfew could be announced either today or tomorrow.
There have also been reports of clashes near the Nga Thaing Chaung Artillery Battalion (344), which is currently surrounded and blockaded by the AA and joint forces.
The AA and PDF forces are reportedly conducting operations in the Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, particularly in areas adjacent to the eastern side of the Rakhine Yoma Mountains, with ongoing fighting reported.
