The junta has tightened security in and around Kyakphyu Town, one of the last parts of Arakan (Rakhine) State under its control, as fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta approaches the town.

Junta troops and police personnel have begun conducting surprise checks on people in the streets, stopping people fishing and even raiding houses to carry out inspections, according to residents of Kyaukphyu Town.

A resident of the town said: “When the fighting first broke out in Arakan State, security in Kyaukphyu Town got really tight. Things eased up for a while, but now it's back to being strict again. People who want to go fishing aren’t even allowed near the streams or rivers anymore. And soldiers are constantly stopping and questioning people on the streets.”

After the AA started attacking the Police Battalion 32 headquarters, about 4 miles from Kyaukphyu Town, in early June the junta started enforcing extra security measures at all the entry and exit points to Kyaukphyu Town, on both land and river routes.

The increased junta security has meant that residents of Kyaukphyu Town and the surrounding areas are facing more hardship.

A woman from Kyaukphyu Town said: “The sound of explosions is getting closer every day. Military aircraft fly overhead almost daily. Soldiers carry out random inspections too. We're constantly on edge, not knowing what might happen next.”

The AA first launched its offensive in Kyaukphyu Township on 20 February 2025. It has now captured enough territory in the township to be within six miles (about 9.5km) of Kyaukphyu Town, the main town in the township.

As fighting draws ever closer to Kyaukphyu Town some residents have evacuated to other safer areas such as Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. Government employees have also been requesting transfers away from the town.