In recent days, the junta has stepped up abductions of residents in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, one of the few areas still under its control.
According to Sittwe City residents, the junta’s sudden day-and-night raids on city wards and the forcible abduction of residents from their homes have intensified since early August.
“These days, the junta’s checks and arrests have gotten much harsher. They’re raiding homes at all hours, day or night, and often take people away with them,” said a 30-year-old Sittwe resident.
In the first week of August alone, the junta abducted roughly 30 residents from Sittwe City’s Mingan, Ywagyi (North), Satyonesu, and Shwepya wards.
On August 3, 4, and 5, junta troops raided homes in Satyonesu and Ywagyi (North) wards under the pretext of checking for overnight guests, abducting three residents from Satyonesu and 13 from Ywagyi (North).
The residents of Satyonesu Ward who were arrested on August 3 are Ko Aung Kyaw Htay (24), Daw Ma Oo Khin (36), and Ko Win Min Zaw (23). The DMG is still investigating the details of each victim abducted by the junta.
Additionally, the junta has been conducting more frequent military convoy patrols in Sittwe City in recent days, heightening residents’ concerns.
“Jets have been taking off from Sittwe Airport every day, but no one knows where they’re going. Junta troops in Sittwe are also firing artillery at Ponnagyun Town daily. They’re stepping up checks on overnight guests and arresting locals, so everyone’s really worried about what might happen next,” another Sittwe resident said.
Since late 2023 and early 2024, many residents of Sittwe City have fled to mainland regions and cities, such as Yangon, which are under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State. But the poor families who rely on day labor cannot flee and remain trapped in Sittwe City, facing a severe livelihood crisis.
On the other hand, the military situation is growing increasingly tense, as the junta is amassing troops not only in Sittwe City but also in AA-controlled Ponnagyun Township, according to military analysts from Arakan State.
“The situation in Sittwe is like a ticking time bomb,” said a source familiar with the junta’s activities, who wished to remain anonymous. “The fog of war is getting thicker, the junta is making military preparations, and there’s regular artillery fire between the two sides. Lately, they’ve also been sending surveillance drones to Ponnagyun every day,” he added.
Artillery exchanges between the junta and the AA in Sittwe Township had paused for a time but resumed on July 22. So far, intense ground clashes have not yet erupted in Sittwe Township.
In Arakan State, the junta maintains control over Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung cities, while the AA controls most of the rest of the state.
