Clashes between the junta and the Arakan Army (AA) near the Arakan (Rakhine) State capital, Sittwe, have intensified since last week, locals said.

The fighting has largely consisted of artillery strikes rather than ground battles, and the junta has also deployed aircraft and drones to conduct airstrikes.

Artillery exchanges occur daily. On March 29, the AA shot down a junta drone, an AA frontline source said.

“Artillery bombardments happen every day in Sittwe. The junta uses artillery, airstrikes, and drones almost daily, and the AA also launches artillery barrages. Yesterday, the AA shot down a junta drone that came to attack,” he told DMG.

The junta has also intensified air raids along the border areas between Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships and Sittwe Township. On March 27 and 28, junta airstrikes hit Rathedaung, Mosekyun, and Ponnagyun, as well as Warbo village on the outskirts of Sittwe Township.

The junta has tightened security after fighting reached the outskirts of Sittwe City. Despite the constant thud of artillery, locals are compelled to keep risking their safety to make a living.

“We hear artillery fire every day. But with livelihoods at stake, people are trying to move around as normally as possible,” a woman from the city said.

Many Sittwe residents are struggling under the junta’s strict blockades, with poor families who rely on physically demanding labor bearing the brunt.

For now, the situation in Sittwe City remains relatively calm and normal, but if ground clashes erupt, the safety of residents could quickly become a serious concern.