Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — Naval vessels belonging to the Myanmar military regime, which had initially moved to Taungup and Ramree townships along the Rakhine coast, recently withdrew to deeper waters. They tried to land in the evening hours of 19 April but failed and then retreated, said local sources.

"They returned to the sea, but they seemingly tried to land and found it too difficult to do so,” said a local resident.

At least six combat vessels of the military junta entered the estuary between Ramree and Taungup townships on 18 April. Following intensive reconnaissance using drones, the ships initiated a deceptive landing maneuver.

A military analyst pointed out that the Myanmar army, widely referred by locals as a ‘terrorist entity’, underestimated the risk as the area is dominated by the Arakan Army (AA).

“Even if their camps, battalions, and headquarters are built with concrete, they cannot withstand an AA attack. Attempting to go ashore with only two to three hundred armed personnel would be inviting dangers,” added the analyst.

While the large warships retreated to the sea, the smaller vessels continued to operate near the coast.

"Local fishermen have halted their activities. Even though the big ships have moved away, the smaller ones continue to operate, and the villagers are terrified of artillery firing  from them," said another resident.

Fishermen in the Kyauk Nimaw area are exercising extreme caution, as the junta navy dominates the surrounding waters and frequently targets local fishing boats.