The Military Council has been detaining civilians in Rakhine State, with a total of 55 civilians being arrested within a span of three days, following Arakan Army (AA) attacks.
The Arakan Army (AA) commenced attacks on junta military camps in Rathedaung, Maungdaw, and Minbya on the morning of 13 November, effectively breaking the ceasefire that had been in place in Rakhine State for a year.
In the wake of these attacks, the Military Council proceeded to detain civilians.
According to information from local sources reported by Mizzima, nine fishermen residing at the base of Madae Mountain in Jaketaw Ward, Ngapali Beach, were apprehended on the evening of 15 November. Additionally, six residents of Thandwe Township were arrested on 14 November. The total number of people detained in the areas of Ngapali, Thandwe, Taungup, and Kyauk Phyu has reached at least 55, from 13 to 16 November.
A resident of Kyauk Phyu said, "The soldiers arrived in military vehicles and detained civilians without justification. They possessed a list of names, entered the barbershop, and subjected the civilian cutting hair to physical assault before making the arrest."
The AA has issued a warning regarding a sequence of targeted operations and detentions involving civilians suspected of having connections to the United League of Arakan and AA in Taungup, Thandwe, Gwa, Ramree, and Kyauk Phyu townships by the Military Council.
Arakan sources claim the Military Council is worried that the AA will attack the military camps in the southern cities of Rakhine State.
A resident of Taungup said, "Currently, the Arakan Army (AA) is actively engaging the military junta, while the army is intensifying restrictions on towns where the AA does not have a strong presence. Those residing on the outskirts of the town are prohibited from entering the town.”
Since the commencement of operations on 13 November, the AA has been engaged in conflicts with junta forces in various locations, including Maungdaw, Minbya, Myaypone, Rathedaung, Kyauk Phyu, in Rakhine and Paletwa town in Chin State.
In the course of a day-long confrontation, the AA reported the capture of 10 soldiers, including a major, from Light Infantry Battalion (344) in Minpya. Additionally, the AA reported the death of 14 soldiers, including the deputy column commander, from Infantry Battalion (232). There are further indications that 22 soldiers from the Apaukwa police station in Rathedaung have surrendered.
On 15 November, the AA in Rakhine State declared a development in the military situation, revealing that two strategic hills in Paletwa Township in Chin State had come under attack since 14 November. Subsequently, the Military Council has initiated airstrikes in response to the situation.
