Intensifying clashes between junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA) in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State, have forced 2,084 residents from 17 villages to flee their homes, according to Triple-T, an organization assisting internally displaced people (IDPs).
Junta troops have pushed into Thaingchaung, Gawtu and Yenantaung villages since early November. Their advance has triggered a wave of displacement from 17 nearby villages, including Chaungphyar, Chaungwa and Chaungmyaung, with residents now sheltering in the Hsinbote, Sa Par Htar and Minyat areas.
“People can’t sleep out in the open in this harsh weather, so the needs are urgent. And we can’t pack everyone into religious buildings, schools or other shelters because the junta is still bombing civilians and IDPs,” said Triple-T founder Ko Victor.
Triple-T reported that the IDPs urgently require shelter, food, drinking water and medical assistance. Among them are newborns and pregnant women who need infant formula, diapers, medicine and nutritional supplements. Women also require menstrual products.
“There are sick people among the IDPs, but medicine is running short. Rice is another major need. Even if you manage to find fish or frogs in the stream, you still need pots to cook them, along with charcoal or firewood. People fled with only the clothes on their backs, so there are many basic needs,” Ko Victor added.
IDPs continue to struggle due to the lack of international support and the limited assistance available from local communities.
Since the recent escalation in Kyaukphyu Township, the junta has stepped up its use of naval artillery barrages, airstrikes and drone strikes, leaving civilians in a state of extreme fear.
“It is bombing not only the areas where clashes are taking place, but also civilian neighborhoods. The junta’s navy is firing so intensely that people are too afraid to remain. It isn’t just targeting the AA; it is firing at anyone it spots,” a woman in Kyaukphyu told DMG.
Clashes continue around Yenantaung, Minpyin and Chaungphyar villages, as the junta pushes forward with large ground forces backed by large-scale air support.
Since late February, fighting between the junta and the AA in Kyaukphyu Township has displaced 23,710 people, Triple-T reported.
