The Arakan Army (AA) issued a travel alert dated 28 November, warning watercraft owners and travelers to notify their itinerary, date, time, list of travelers and items being transported to the ethnic armed group.

The Arakan Army (AA) urged local people to let the group know their travel schedules through Viber Phone No +95 940797942, Email [email protected] and Skype AA INFO DESK in order to prevent unwanted problems.

The alert intends to avert unwanted problems, said the Arakan Army (AA).

“The main purpose of issuing the warning is to ensure the safety of local travelers. Because we need to identify the Tatmadaw troops and local travelers when we launch attacks on vessels. The Tatmadaw is currently sending reinforcements such as military equipment, provisions and troops to Arakan State by using not only its warships but also civilian vehicles,” Khaing Thukha, Spokesperson of the Arakan Army (AA) said.

The Tatmadaw is supposed to intensify military operations in Arakan State because the military is reinforcing troops and military equipment in Arakan State,” the Arakan Army (AA) said.

“Local people will be hurt if we launch attacks on Tatmadaw troops without notifying them. The reason why we issued the alert is to avoid unnecessary problems for local people,” Khaing Thukha added.

The Arakan Army (AA) released a statement, warning the local people to stay away from travelling together with the Tatmadaw troops in the Kaladan, Mayu and Lay Myo rivers at night.

The Tatmadaw said it will carry out a massive military operation in Arakan State. The Arakan Army (AA) also said it will defend itself against the attacks launched by the Tatmadaw.