Rakhine ethnic people, who fled from conflict areas, gather at Wibttza war di Monastery’s temporary camp in Min Gan Ward, Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar, 08 August 2019. Photo: Nyunt Win/EPA

Fighting between Myanmar forces and the Arakan Army has prompted about 5,000 residents from two villages in Rakhine state’s Minbya township to flee their communities since hostilities in the area began four days ago, RFA reported.

Those who fled Panmyaung and Shwekyin villages have sought shelter in Buddhist monasteries or with relatives because of random firing of heavy weapons by the Myanmar military now stationed on Aung Mingalar Hill in the middle of Panmyaung.

Of the more than 8,000 people who live in Panmyaung village alone, only about one-third have remained behind, according to the report.