Many residents of Gwa have been fleeing to neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region and elsewhere as clashes between Myanmar's military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) intensify in Arakan State's southernmost township.
The fighting broke out in Gwa Township in early August and hostilities have since spread to Thabyuchaung, Kywechaing and Taingkyo villages some 10 miles from Gwa Town, forcing residents to flee.
"A few people have stayed behind to take care of their homes. Many have fled as the fighting is approaching the town," said a Gwa resident.
Civil servants under the regime in Gwa have also fled Arakan State since the fighting broke out.
More than 30,000 people have fled Gwa Township, according to volunteers helping those displaced. Many residents from Gwa and Thandwe townships have fled to Ngathaingchaung, Yekyi, Kyonepyaw and Pathein in Ayeyarwady Region, as well as to Yangon.
The regime has deployed more troops between Gwa and Ayeyarwady Region's Ngathaingchaung, and displaced people heading to Ngathaingchaung are reportedly subjected to tight security checks by the junta.
Gwa residents are suffering from shortages of food and medicines as the regime has restricted the flow of goods into Gwa from Ayeyarwady Region.
Clashes are taking place daily in Gwa Township and the regime is suffering "heavy casualties," according to one source.
"The regime can't send reinforcements from [other locations in] Arakan State to Gwa, so it has sent reinforcements from Ayeyarwady Region to defend Gwa. Soldiers who came from Ayeyarwady Region are not familiar with the terrain, and they have suffered heavy casualties," said the source.
Junta ground troops defending Gwa are receiving air and naval support, said the source. Civilian casualties have been reported as the regime targets residential areas with indiscriminate aerial attacks.
The regime has also reportedly put Gwa-based Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 562 and 563 under the direct control of Southwestern Command based in Pathein. The two battalions were previously under the control of the Western Command in Ann Township, where the AA is also fighting the regime.
