Arakan Army soldiers. Photo: Arakan Army News and Information Service

Two civilians were shot dead Tuesday in a village in Rathedaung township during a fierce clash between Myanmar forces and the Arakan Army (AA), RFA reported quoting local residents and military officials.

A 17-year-old mentally disabled man and a 70-year-old woman died during the armed conflict, they said, and their bodies were left with caretakers who remained behind after most others fled to safety.

The arrival of a Myanmar military unit in Hteeswe village, close to Kyauktan village, earlier this week prompted most of the residents from both communities to flee their homes, residents said.