Aung Htein -  Nearly 60 people from Kalachaung and Manyin Taung villages in Rathedaung Township have been pinned down by fighting while other residents have fled the clashes, which broke out in an area between the two villages on the evening of February 2.

Since children are among those trapped, help from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and lawmakers has been sought to evacuate them, the administrator of nearby Pyein Daw village said.

“We were told that they would rescue them on February 4,” he said.

A Tatmadaw column more than 200-strong arrived at Kalachaung village and the safety of the trapped people is at risk, said a villager who asked not to be named for security reasons.

“We are worried for the lives of the families left at the village,” the villager said.

Concerns for the security of the trapped people persist because fighting flared again near the villages on February 3.

Conflict between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army remains intense in Arakan State, where more than 100,000 IDPs face difficulties meeting basic livelihood needs such as food, clothing and shelter.