After receiving information that the Arakan Army (AA) is conducting training for People's Defence Forces (PDF)  in western Ngaputaw Township in the Irrawaddy Region, the regime's forces launched a search for their camp.

Since late last month, more than 100 soldiers from the Burma Army (BA) and the regime-backed Pyu Saw Htee have been combing the Rakhine Yoma forest, which borders Rakhine State, in search of PDF fighters resisting the dictatorship.

A local familiar with the situation told NMG, on condition of anonymity, the BA heard that they were hiding in the forest range, home to Karen, Rakhine and Bamar (Burmese) nationalities.

“AA has recruited new soldiers and is facilitating military training there.”

According to other locals close to township administrators, the armed forces launched an operation to take control of Rakhine Yoma, Myit Tayar and Sin Hmon forest reserves, as well as the Nga Yok Kawng and Haigyikyun Mawtin areas. Police and soldiers have raided villages in these locations.

Meanwhile, local authorities have demanded that residents report to the nearest police camp before hunting, fishing, logging or searching for wild vegetables in the forests.

“The BA have established a secret camp in the forest. The police and soldiers are masquerading as hunters, but they're really searching for the PDF's camp,” said a Nga Yok Kawng resident, requesting his name not be revealed.

Although there has been military tension in the past between AA and BA troops stationed in the area, the BA did not suspect until recently that the ethnic armed group was training PDF in the forest reserve.

Between December and January, the regime launched a clearance campaign in Kyan Khin, Lay Myetner, Yay Kyi, Nga Thaing Chaung, Tha Poung, Pathein and Chaung Tha townships in Irrawaddy Region, all of which border with Rakhine State.