Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — According to a local news source, on January 12 and 13, numerous soldiers from the Ohn Taw Gyi military camp in Sittwe Township, along with those from the 270th Battalion stationed in Sittwe, deserted their weapons and ammunition and fled en masse by sea.
At 9 o'clock in the evening on January 13, approximately 20 soldiers from the military camp located in Ohn Taw Gyi village (Muslim) took a boat from Ohn Taw Gyi village and fled together.
Likewise, at 8 o'clock in the evening on January 12, two soldiers from the 270th Battalion left behind their weapons and ammunition close to the Zaw Puja railway line and fled.
The two left on the 12th and at 12 pm on the 13th, they fled from Palin Pyin village, which is predominantly Muslim, in a pickup truck heading toward Angu Maw, an area under the control of the AA, as reported by local residents.
At 11 o'clock in the evening on January 1, seven soldiers fled from the Ohn Taw Gyi (Muslim) village camp located in Sittwe Township. Two of these soldiers were recaptured by the junta at 4 pm, while the other five successfully evaded capture.
Likewise, members from the terrorist military commission in Kyaukphyu and Man Aung townships are also abandoning weapons and fleeing, surrendering to the Arakan Army, according to the APM news report.
In addition, on January 12, a total of ten individuals, comprising seven from the military commission and three ALP soldiers who were on security duty at the Shwe Min Gan camp, abandoned their posts along with their weapons.
A military source at the local level stated that out of ten individuals, three were soldiers from the ALP. However, a statement issued by the ALP, under the leadership of Daw Saw Mya Yar Zar Lin, claimed that no such event took place.
Approximately at 10 p. m. On January 14, three junta soldiers from Police Battalion 36 fled, and on the evening of January 6, seven soldiers alongside four policemen from Police Battalion No. 36 based in Sittwe also fled, a source connected to the military indicated.
Furthermore, on January 4, two soldiers from Police Battalion No. 36 escaped carrying weapons, and a search operation is underway, residents of Sittwe reported.
Local military sources reported that the number of people leaving has risen following the AA's capture of two outposts close to the Sittwe DaKaSa, Regional Operations Command (ROC). Since the end of December 2025, the conflict between the junta army and AA has escalated in Sittwe, with several junta soldiers still choosing to defect.
The APM stated that the junta soldiers, who have consistently faced defeat against the Arakan Army (AA), are fleeing in groups due to their awareness of an impending defeat in the Sittwe battle. They are unsure if they will suffer injuries or fatalities during the conflict and are so demoralized that they have no desire to fight.
