NGO, INGO staff relocate to Yangon as fighting nears Sittwe

By Admin 21 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 October 2026, Sittwe

Some staff members of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) based in Sittwe, Arakan State, are relocating to Yangon as armed conflict intensifies around the state capital.

Since early October, clashes between military junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA) have escalated significantly across Sittwe Township. Residents have reported constant gunfire, heavy artillery shelling and military aircraft flying overhead.

Arakan Army offensive operations are advancing toward the Regional Operations Command (ROC) headquarters in Sittwe, bringing the frontlines progressively closer to the urban center.

“Staff at several international organization offices have already begun relocating toward Yangon,” a female INGO staff member said. “These are precautionary relocations driven by the evolving battle conditions. Some offices are operating with only night caretakers and minimal logistics personnel on site, while remaining staff manage operations remotely from Yangon.”

On October 7, the military junta launched an amphibious assault on Ngapyi Island in Werathani Township near Sittwe, while the Arakan Army conducted counteroffensives across northern Sittwe Township and Ngapyi Island.

Active combat zones near Sittwe have now reached positions within four miles of the Regional Operations Command headquarters.

In September, heavy artillery shells landed and exploded in Ah Nauk Sanpya Ward in Sittwe, where several international organization offices and consulate premises are located.

Not all international organizations have evacuated Sittwe, although agencies have contingency plans to reduce their staff presence if hostilities worsen, according to a male INGO worker.

“If conditions degrade further, organizations have structured plans to incrementally draw down staff,” the male INGO worker said. “Every organization maintains drawdown protocols in the event that active fighting enters Sittwe town. Drawdowns have not been fully initiated at this stage, but organizations operating in conflict zones must maintain these contingency preparations.”

United Nations agencies, INGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) remain in Sittwe, delivering humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and Muslim displaced people living in local camps.

Fierce clashes between junta forces and the Arakan Army are ongoing in Pardaleik, Tawkan and Kyarmathauk villages, in areas near Shwe Min Gan Naval Base, and on Ngapyi Island in Werathani Township. Junta forces have responded with heavy field artillery fire and air support.