In Thayet Chaung, Dawei, and Launglon townships of the Tainintharyi region, where severe fighting took place, mobile network and internet connection were cut off.

Similarly, nearly 20 villages including Kyaukme Taung, Taung Thonelone, Mytta, Thabyuchanugn and Nyaungton in the southeastern part of Dawei, have their phones and internet services cut off.

Apart from Taku and Thara Bwin village tracts in Tanintharyi township, mobile and internet lines in Nyaungpyin and Kyauknimaw villages in Launglon Township were down.

The villages in Thayet Chaung Township, which has seen frequent clashes, have had difficulty accessing mobile network and internet since November last year.

Locals are worried that the military junta will arrest and torture them because their phones and internet access have been cut off.

Following the military takeover, fighting between the military council and the PDFs has driven approximately 10,000 villagers to flee to neighbouring forests, where they have been unable to return.