Betel leaf cultivation in Arakan State is thriving as prices rise due to exports to Bangladesh and India, with growers reporting improved livelihoods.

Myanmar's military regime is using Muslim militiamen to break into and destroy homes in villages where residents have fled due to fighting in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, according to local residents.

The price of 24-carat gold has reached around K10 million per tical in Arakan State, while it stands at about K9.9 million per tical in Myanmar's mainland markets, according to gold shop owners.

Residents in several townships in Yangon Region are criticising junta authorities for charging households military service fees of up to K20,000, according to local sources.

The Arakan Army (AA) is reportedly strengthening security along the Arakan-Bangladesh border amid threats posed by Muslim armed groups.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Arakan Army (AA) held a meeting in Teknaf on January 13 to discuss ongoing clashes along the Bangladesh-Arakan border in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan State.

Residents and internally displaced people (IDPs) say those displaced by fighting in Kyaukphyu Township are facing an acute shortage of drinking water as clashes between Myanmar's military regime and the Arakan Army intensify.

Thazin flower cultivation in Arakan State is declining due to armed conflict, natural disasters and a shrinking number of growers, raising concerns that the prized orchid could face extinction.

Hundreds of Chinese security personnel have been deployed in Kyaukphyu Township, where fighting has intensified, to protect China-backed oil, gas and electricity projects, local sources said.

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The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), which controls most of Arakan State, has opened a medical school to strengthen healthcare services for the local population.

Clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and Muslim armed groups have intensified in recent days in northern Taungpyo Letwe Town and near border markers in Maungdaw Township along the Arakan State-Bangladesh border, according to local sources.

As fighting intensifies in Sittwe, Myanmar Navy warships have increased their presence in the Kaladan River estuary, with residents reporting heightened activity near the coast of Pauktaw Township.

Local fishermen say the fishing industry in Arakan State is facing serious difficulties due to the depletion of water resources in rivers, lakes and the sea, leading to a sharp decline in fish and shrimp production.

Fighting remains intense after the Arakan Army (AA) captured two forward outposts of the junta's Regional Command Headquarters in Sittwe, which is still under the control of Myanmar's military regime, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Residents in Ramree Township, Arakan State, are calling on the United League of Arakan (ULA) to provide public part-time internet services to support local economic and social connectivity.

Fighting in Kyaukphyu Township has intensified since late December 2025, prompting junta battalions near the island town to strengthen their defenses with barbed wire fences.

Fighting is reportedly intense as Myanmar's military regime launches offensives against areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) and allied resistance forces in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

Myanmar's military regime is reportedly restricting patients from Sittwe and Kyaukphyu from carrying sufficient medicines back to Arakan State by air after receiving treatment in Yangon.