The conflict in Rakhine State has intensified significantly as the Arakan Army (AA) advances toward Sittwe, the state capital. According to Mizzima News, the Myanmar junta has engaged in continuous heavy weapons and small arms fire since November 22, in a clear effort to intimidate and block the AA forces positioned in the southern part of Ponnagyun Township from pushing forward.

On November 22, some 500 junta soldiers landed in Sittwe from Yangon on huge warships, signifying a significant reinforcement of the city's defense. This heavy, nonstop firing started shortly after and continued day and night until November 24.

The junta's actions are largely seen as intimidation, with naval forces and artillery units deployed, firing starting even when no active fighting was reported. A resident described the situation, noting, "The junta is firing artillery now. They’re trying to frighten the AA so it cannot move forward." This military pressure is mirrored by stringent security measures within Sittwe: all entry and exit points are blocked, and police and soldiers are conducting daily searches in neighborhoods, relief camps, and monasteries, leading to constant arrests of individuals suspected of having ties to the AA. At least 10 people were reportedly detained in November alone,

Furthermore, the junta has restricted fishing near the maritime boundary, and fishermen are reportedly being arrested, adding to the local tension. These moves come as residents report junta administrators pressuring them to vote ahead of the military’s planned election, while the military seeks to hold its key remaining strongholds in Rakhine, including Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung.

In a separate escalation near the Thai-Myanmar border, intense fighting is reported near Min Lel Pan village in Myawaddy Township, Karen State. Khit Thit media reports that heavy clashes erupted on the morning of November 27 between the Myanmar military and KNU (Karen National Union) troops near the Than Taung Pin scam center site. 

The intensity of the fighting, including heavy and small arms fire, was clearly audible from the Thai side of the Moei (Thaungyin) River border, prompting the Thai military to prepare for a standby position. A Karen military source detailed the severity of the confrontation, noting that the area, which is home to a Chinese-run scam center, experienced jet fighter and Y-12 aircraft bombings the previous day, causing building damage.

A humanitarian crisis has emerged concurrent with the fighting, as hundreds of foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese, who fled the scam centers in Min Lel Pan, are stranded along the Thaungyin River bank, attempting to cross into Thailand. While Thailand permitted over 600 of these individuals to cross on the night of November 25, the crossings were halted the following night.

 A source close to the Thai authorities suggested the suspension was to prevent scam leaders from infiltrating across the border under the cover of darkness. In the interim, the KNU is reportedly distributing food packets to the stranded Chinese and other foreign nationals awaiting a safe passage or resolution. The clashes in this area highlight the persistent volatility of the eastern border region, where fighting has been ongoing in a bid to control key areas near the trade hub of Myawaddy.

BOB Post