Because of the continued escalation of fighting in Arakan State, the Arakan Army (AA) has warned the Tatmadaw that they will expand the war zone if necessary.

Kyaukphyu residents have been warned by the navy not to go near military vessels anchored near Dynyawaddy Navy Headquarters on Ma Dae Island in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State.

A villager from Taung Myint village, Mrauk-U Township, was shot in the head on July 23 while travelling on a boat and is receiving treatment to Mrauk-U Hospital, said the administrator of Tin Nyo village. 

The Myanmar government has now blocked Internet access since 21 June in eight townships in Arakan State and one township in Chin State where ongoing armed struggles are occurring between the Tatmadaw and the AA.

Ko Nyein Chan, who is a lawyer from Thazin law supporting group based in Sittwe, said that electricity bills suddenly increased six-fold in June.

Eight members of an activist group, Arakan Alin Dagar, were found guilty and fined by Sittwe township court on July 22 for disobeying a civil servant, after they collected donations for Arakan refugees without a permit.

A school teacher from Rathedaung township has been detained and questioned by the Tadmadaw, residents said. 

A fight yesterday between the Tatmadaw and the AA resulted in a Muslim boy from Sin Thay Byin village receiving injuries, his father told the DMG.

The Ngapali beach is a popular destination for tourists and local travelers, but some hotels have had to halt operations during the rainy season.

More than 4000 people from about five villages have been displaced home from their homes when the Navy ships retaliated to the AA’s attack in Rathedaung Township, this resulted village schools closing.

Myebon Township is one of the eight townships the government cut off the Internet access. The armed conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA broke out on 19 July was the first clash in the Township.

The United League of Arakan/ Arakan Army (ULA/AA) on 18 July announced that it desired joint business ventures with all countries and organizations who want to invest in Arakan State.

Recent floods in Mrauk-U Township affected Tin Nyo IDP camp and refugees are suffering harsh living conditions. They need food, proper shelter and health care, according to camp managers.

IDP camps are located in monasteries, the rooms are tiny, camps are crowded, toilets are far from their rooms and there is no privacy for women to change their clothes and to bath and sleep. These are challenges for women in IDP camps.

More than 30 people are taking shelter in relatives’ homes in Kyauk Phyu and Ann townships because of fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA.

To reduce the risks of land mine and dangerous explosive remnants of war (ERWs), a course opened in Sittwe to raise public awareness on landmine risk and safe behavior.

“There is some concern over Muslims living in villages and in camps for internally displaced people in at-risk areas who are also more vulnerable due to restrictions on freedom of movement in those areas,” the report said.

Colonel Win Zaw Oo from the Western Command said that the Navy ship was attacked and the Tatmadaw troops currently have conducted regional clearance operations.

Two suspects are on trial for attacking the Myanmar Navy’s anchored tugboat on 22 June in the capital Sittwe.