Since July 17, hundreds of Chin villagers in Rakhine’s Ann Township have fled their homes and schools have been closed for two weeks due to intensified armed clashes between Myanmar Army and Arakan Army (AA) in the area.

The sound of heavy artillery fire around the villages terrified the villagers and many fled to nearby villages while some made their way to Ann, Kyaukdaw, and Yangon.

“Because we continuously heard the terrifying sound of heavy artillery fire around our villages, we felt insecure and fled our homes. Schools in our villages have also been closed since then,” an IDP said.

People from three villages in Ann Township—Yu Village, Tharwae village and Mae Latt Moan village—fled their homes. Around 40 villagers remain in Mae Than Kyu village.

Another IDP said Chin villagers dare not openly disclose their experiences of armed clashes between AA and Myanmar Army because they are afraid of retaliation by both parties.

Chin villagers who fled recent armed clashes have been facing difficulties in terms of food shelter.