Junta shelling forces mass evacuation in Rathedaung Twsp

By Admin 16 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

16 December 2025, Rathedaung

Residents on the western side of the Mayu River in Rathedaung Township are being evacuated en masse due to ongoing heavy weapons fire from Sittwe-based junta battalions.

Villages including Angumaw, Kontan, Hsinpaik, and Laungchaung, located in the Mayu Riverbank area controlled by the Arakan Army, have seen residents fleeing since 13 December, according to local sources.

“Since last Saturday, most people, including children, the elderly, and women, have fled to safer places. Only a few remain. We can hear the sound of heavy weapons firing more than before. It is especially worse at night,” a Rathedaung resident said.

The Mayu Riverbank villages are exposed to attacks from the military regime, including frequent artillery fire from Myanmar Navy warships. Airstrikes and shelling have been reported across Arakan State since the bombing of Mrauk-U Hospital, with local residents hearing artillery explosions near their villages.

Displaced residents are moving inland within Rathedaung Township to find temporary shelter. “They are fleeing to places they think are safe, mainly from the war, where they cannot reach due to heavy artillery fire. They are temporarily living in their own homes, where relatives are,” a local resident said.

The military regime has increasingly targeted hospitals, schools, religious buildings, and civilian homes in Arakan Army-controlled areas, raising concerns among Rathedaung residents.

In early December, junta battalions based in Padaleik Village, Sittwe Township, fired artillery into Ponnagyun Township, forcing residents in Kuntaung, Hngetgyikyun, Padetha, and Aidin to evacuate.

This week’s military attacks in Mrauk-U and Kyaukphyu townships have killed 42 civilians and injured 87 others.

“As the junta-organized election approaches, we see more violence and human rights violations by the military regime. But the world doesn’t value democracy and human rights anymore. Even the United States doesn’t value human rights, so I don’t think the UN will do much more than just provide information. But we have to fight as hard as we can,” said a human rights activist.

Military observers say the regime is preparing to retake Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Maungdaw, Pauktaw, and Gwa townships in Arakan State ahead of the elections. The Arakan Army is reportedly preparing to defend its positions, raising the risk of intensified conflict.