Robbery at gunpoint in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 15 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 August 2025, Kyaukphyu

A robbery at gunpoint occurred at a house in Taungyin Ward, Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, which is controlled by the military regime.

A man armed with a gun entered U Pho Thar Oo's house at around 1 a.m. on August 13, and threatened and robbed him.

"At midnight, a man with a gun entered U Pho Thar Oo's house. The man pointed a gun at U Pho Thar Oo's son, who is in his 20s, and tried to threaten him with looting the house. At that time, a boy who was sleeping at U Pho Thar Oo's house tried to get the gun back, but there was a scuffle and the gun went off. When people from the house gathered around, the man fled," said a resident of Kyaukphyu who was aware of the incident.

During the incident, U Pho Thar Oo's son was hit with a gun stock. When people nearby arrived, the robber fled, leaving behind his mobile phone, money, and the gun he was carrying.

"The family members were left with only minor injuries, including gunshot wounds and scratches from fighting over the gun. The gun was reportedly left with a ward administrator and has since been confiscated by junta officials," said another local man in Kyaukphyu.

DMG continues to attempt to contact U Pho Thar Oo's family members to learn more about the robbery.

Locals believe that junta soldiers who are unwilling to fight in the ongoing Kyaukphyu battle have deserted, and that the recent looting may be a junta deserter.

"They are also taking chickens, so it is likely that they are people who are starving after fleeing the military. If someone knows the local situation, they will only choose a wealthy house," said a resident of Kyaukphyu.

During the Kyaukphyu battle, junta soldiers and conscripts have frequently deserted.

Myanmar's military regime reportedly arrested at least eight residents from Kyaukphyu on charges of hosting junta soldiers who fled the frontline in May and June.

Kyaukphyu has been facing a series of home burglaries, robberies, and other criminal activity since mid-2024 and residents are now also concerned about the threat of junta deserters.