Rakhine State legislative assembly deputy speaker and legislator from Myebon constituency Mya Than has told Mizzima that fighting between Arakan Army (AA) and Tatmadaw (government military) intensified after AA rockets hit Tatmadaw naval boats causing villagers to flee.

Two naval boats from government navy deployed at mouth of the river between Yay Khaung Chein and Pauk Tu Taung villages in Myebaon Township were hit and government troops entered villages for area clearance operations.

The AA fired rockets at the naval boats on July 19 and 20.

AA and Tatmadaw have been fighting in Rakhine State for many months and the area of conflict has spread even close to Ann Township where Western Military Command HQ is based.

Rakhine ethnic people who fled from conflict areas gather at War Taung village's temporary camp in Kyauk Taw Township , Rakhine State, western Myanmar, 18 June 2019. Photo: Nyunt Win/EPA