“Fighting has not yet taken place [in Manaung], but the regime is making preparations to defend it. Residents do not feel safe. The regime does not allow people to leave the town,” said a Manaung resident.

“They fled to Sittwe while fighting was escalating in Buthidaung. They were forcibly conscripted over the past few days,” said one source.

A member of a charity based in Gwa said that carrying out charity works is a struggle due to cash shortages, and phone and internet blackouts.

The regime said the council had breached the fundamental principles of constructive dialogue by discussing Myanmar issues in the absence of a representative from the concerned country.

Nanthar Island is a popular destination for migratory birds including rare species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper. Irrawaddy dolphins are also reportedly spotted there.

With the fall of Ngapali Town to the AA, Myanmar’s military regime has brought in reinforcements from its army and navy forces based in Ayeyarwady Region to defend neighbouring Thandwe Town, according to residents.

A junta outpost is located on a hill near Aungcedi Village where the landmine dismembered U Maung Wai Thein, and the explosive charge is believed to have been planted by junta troops, locals said.

Since renewed fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and AA on November 13, the regime has imposed bans on fishing and sea travel around Manaung Township.

Junta soldiers stationed at the Kanyin Chaung economic zone west of Maungdaw Town in Arakan State retreated from the area on July 14, according to local residents.

"At least five homes were set on fire at around 11 a.m. on July 14. Now the number of homes that have been burnt is probably higher. This is the second time homes have been reduced to ashes," the source added.

“We can’t buy any food. They have run out of stocks in Kyauktaw. Stocks will run out in the next few days in our village. We don’t know what to eat,” said a woman from northern Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township.

The AA has issued a notice to civilians to avoid traveling to junta camps and surrounding areas, and to educate themselves about landmine hazards.

Dozens of inmates were reportedly released from Thandwe Prison in Arakan State after two female prisoners were killed in an artillery strike on the prison, where junta troops are stationed.

The AA is launching an offensive to take control of Maungdaw, whereas the regime is boosting its defences in downtown Maungdaw, according to the statement.

“The news is true. Dozens of teachers in rural areas have been suspended from their duty since June for failing to come to their respective schools,” said an education employee in Ann Township.

With the intensity of the fighting, children are living with trauma due to junta artillery attacks and airstrikes on civilian areas, guardians said.

Twenty trucks loaded with junta soldiers from Ayeyarwady Region arrived in Thandwe via the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road on Friday. The regime also transported reinforcements to the Maung Shwe Lay naval base by sea.

Burglars have typically targeted the houses of residents who fled ongoing fighting between junta and Arakkha Army (AA) forces, said residents who remain in Sittwe and Thandwe.

The nationwide population census is scheduled for October 1-15. Soe Win said the census would contribute to compiling accurate voter lists necessary for holding a general election slated for next year.