Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) troops clashed in two Ann Township locations on Tuesday, forcing hundreds of villagers from their homes.

A clash erupted near Shauk Chone Village at around noon, prompting locals from at least three nearby villages to flee to Kanhtaunggyi town, according to one villager.

“The fighting lasted nearly two hours. It was an exchange of fire. We dared not stay and therefore fled to Kanhtaunggyi town. No one was injured,” he said.

Another clash occurred about one mile from Hin Ywet Village after the Arakan Army ambushed a junta convoy, with the hostilities lasting from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., said a resident.

“We don’t know about casualties. Villagers are staying at the monastery,” he said.

There are more than 90 households in Hin Ywet Village, and some residents have fled to nearby villages following the fighting.

“We are in fear. Some young people have fled,” he added.

DMG was unable to contact junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun or AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha to enquire about the fighting.

The Myanmar military detained a woman from Hin Ywet Village on October 16, alleging that she had ties to the Arakan Army.

Fighting between the military and the Arakanese ethnic armed group has continued since August across much of Arakan State, as well as in neighbouring Paletwa Township, Chin State.

At least 20 civilians were killed, and 70 others have been injured since the conflict flared anew, according to a DMG tally.