Over 4,000 Civilians Sheltered by Arakan Army in Ann Township

Over 4,000 Civilians Sheltered by Arakan Army in Ann Township

Arakha Times (November 28, 2024)

Due to the ongoing intense fighting in Ann Township, Rakhine State, under the Western Regional Military Command, the Arakan Army (AA) has evacuated and sheltered over 4,000 civilians, according to local sources in Ann.

Amid the clashes, nearly 5,000 civilians from Ann Township had been trapped within the conflict zones over the past month. The Arakan Army reportedly took action to move over 4,000 displaced civilians to safer areas under their protection.

Currently, only a few hundred civilians remain in Ann town itself, according to a local resident who requested anonymity for security reasons.

“During the conflict, there were over 4,000 civilians who fled from the town and surrounding villages. The Arakan Army has relocated them to safe zones, where they are providing assistance, including food and shelter. It is estimated that around 4,000 to 5,000 people have been evacuated, while only a few hundred remain in Ann town,” the resident told Arakha Times.

The Myanmar military has intensified its airstrikes in Rakhine State, targeting both combat zones and non-combatant areas, including villages. Recent airstrikes on Thandwe Township reportedly caused significant civilian casualties.

In Ann Township, non-military targets such as Kyaintaleik and other northern villages have also been hit by airstrikes, leading to further civilian deaths and injuries, according to another local source.

“The military junta is violating international laws by bombing areas that are not military targets. In Ann, we’ve seen villages in non-combat zones, like Kyaintaleik, struck by airstrikes, resulting in many civilian casualties. While the exact number is unclear, there have been significant losses of life,” the source explained.

Recent artillery shell explosions in Ann have killed four civilians and injured at least seven. Additionally, arson attacks on villages by junta forces have destroyed nearly 300 homes, forcing entire communities to flee for safety, local residents report.