By Hein Htoo Zan
Fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s junta has escalated across three townships in Ayeyarwady Region near the border with Rakhine State, displacing thousands of civilians, according to residents.
This week, junta airstrikes and shelling sparked clashes in Lemyethna, Yegyi and Thabaung townships. Lemyethna Township, on the eastern bank of the Pathein River and the Pathein–Monywa road, is 21km from Rakhine Yoma Wildlife Reserve.
Since Tuesday, junta airstrikes have Wildlife Reserve Chin Lel, Tine Kyaw and Kho Pya villages amid fighting with AA forces.
Thabaung residents reported clashes near Artillery Battalion 334 in the town while junta aircraft circle above.
The junta has imposed travel restrictions, closing the Pathein-Monywa and Gwa-Ngathaingchaung roads to civilian traffic since March 18.
Thabaung, 26km north of Pathein, the capital of Ayeyarwady Region, and 35km south of the Rakhine State border, reported fighting on Thursday with junta troops retreating from village outposts in the township.
Thabaung civilians have left their homes ahead of possible airstrikes.
An estimated 3,000 residents from 10 villages in Thabaung Township have fled their homes and in Lemyethna Township, approximately 1,000 residents have been displaced.
The AA and its allies attacked Shwe Thaung Yan beach in January brought the conflict to Ayeyarwady Region. The AA has since shifted its focus to Yegyi, Lemyethna and Thabaung townships in the Irrawaddy delta while it is also attacks in Bago and Magwe regions.
Clashes are ongoing between the AA and junta forces in Padaung Township and Okeshitpin in Bago Region. The AA and its allies are especially trying to capture a junta base in Nyaungdon.
The fighting has raised concerns for civilian safety, particularly as matriculation exams are being conducted in the townships. Residents report the junta is preparing to occupy schools after the exams and is establishing defensive positions throughout the town.
Junta fatalities in recent Nyaungdon battles are estimated at over 120 due to AA attacks and errant airstrikes. Residents said the AA has taken control of most junta guard posts in Padaung, however, airstrikes continue.
The armed group has seized 14 out of 17 Rakhine townships and Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State since launching a major offensive against the regime in November 2023.
The article appeared in the irrawaddy