Family members of senior army officials, junta authorities evacuated to Yangon as fighting near Sittwe escalates

Relatives of military personnel and government officials have been evacuated to Naypyidaw and Yangon due to the escalating conflict approaching Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State.

A resident of Sittwe has stated that the increased attacks by the Arakan Army (AA) have approached the Regional Command Headquarters (RCH), leading to casualties among the junta forces during the conflict.

“It is understood that they have been relocated to Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon. We saw them being taken to the airport in military vehicles along with packages. The local residents are concerned,” he stated.

The area surrounding Sittwe has been cordoned off by the Arakan Army, and clashes are continuing in and around the city.

The only way to travel to Burma proper directly from Sittwe is by air, and the majority of travelers rely on air transportation.

As the conflict intensifies, anxiety is increasing among residents and displaced persons in Sittwe. “This morning, shopkeepers are offering their products at a reduced price. It seems they are offering their goods at lower prices to flee to Yangon. The individuals living in poverty in this area are finding it difficult to rest because of the conflict occurring near Sittwe," he stated.

Since early January, the AA has been targeting defense outposts close to Tawkan and Ganggaw Kyun, which serve as access points to the regional military headquarters, referred to as Dakasa, located in Sittwe township. On Friday, the AA took control of two of these camps after intense combat.

Among the 17 townships in Rakhine, the AA has taken control of 14, leaving out Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Man Aung. The AA has been conducting an offensive in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe with the aim of taking control of the towns.