Despite the latest ceasefire between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA), displaced people say they dare not return to their homes for the time being. 

Myanmar’s military regime has yet to lift travel restrictions on multiple roads and waterways despite its recently brokered ceasefire with the Arakan Army (AA), according to local residents. 

Hundreds of civilians detained by the Myanmar military on suspicion of having ties to the Arakan Army (AA) amid renewed hostilities between the two sides remain in junta custody, AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha told a press briefing on Monday. 

Reports of violence against women and children have increased in Arakan State when compared with last year, according to legal aid organisations and women’s activist groups.

A local woman was killed and two others were injured by an artillery strike in Thanmoetaung Village, part of Kayin State’s Thandaunggyi Township, on November 26, according to residents.

Hundreds of vehicles have been bottlenecked at the Nyaung Khar Shay security checkpoint near the Sittaung Bridge in Waw Township, Bago Region, since November 27, according to locals.

Six people in a family from Thethtin Village, part of Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township, reportedly died from food poisoning after eating corn from a local market on November 26.

Despite the Myanmar military and Arakan Army reaching another ceasefire to put a halt to months of renewed hostilities in Arakan State, clashes could resume “at any time,” said U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA). 

Dozens of people displaced by fighting in Arakan State’s Ponnagyun Township who fled to downtown Sittwe are reportedly in need of assistance.

Local residents in Arakan State have called on authorities to assign more specialists to treat certain medical problems at the 500-bed Sittwe General Hospital.

Family members are concerned about the safety of seven people detained on Friday at a junta security checkpoint near the village of Kansauk in Kyauktaw Township. 

The Myanmar military detained a ward administrator in Kyaukphyu Township on Friday, according to locals.

More than 70 out of approximately 90 junta-appointed ward and village administrators in Arakan State’s Ponnagyun Township, where the military and Arakan Army (AA) have exchanged fire with deadly effect in recent weeks, have reportedly tendered resignation letters to the township administrator’s office in recent days. 

Arakan State residents whose livelihoods depend on sea transport are struggling to make ends meet due to junta travel restrictions imposed amid ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA).

A resident of Chin State’s Paletwa Township who lost the use of both his legs in a landmine blast earlier this month is struggling to afford follow-up treatment.

A beauty pageant for married women will be held in the Arakan State capital Sittwe from December 22-26, according to the organiser, Mrs. Ethnic Tourism.

To commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on December 3, sporting events were held at the Danyawaddy sports grounds on Friday morning in Sittwe.

Junta troops and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 6-led resistance forces engaged in fierce fighting on the Myawaddy-Waw Lay road in Kayin (Karen) State’s Myawaddy Township this week. Thousands of residents have been forced from their homes by junta aerial bombardments and artillery strikes.

A resident of Kathae Ward in Sittwe, Arakan State, was abducted from his home by junta soldiers on Wednesday night, locals said.