The Arakan Army has become one of the largest non-state armed organizations in South and Southeast Asia, according to a report published on July 16 by the US-based independent policy research institute the Jamestown Foundation.

A joint military exercise between Myanmar and Russia has highlighted the need for revolutionary forces to adapt to evolving battlefield tactics and weapons technologies, according to political and military analysts.

Heavy flooding has contaminated drinking water ponds in nine villages in the Panmyaunggyi Creek area of Minbya Township, Arakan State, according to local residents.

Catastrophic flooding across at least 10 townships in Arakan State has submerged more than 300 wards and villages, affecting over 150,000 residents and destroying small-scale livelihoods.

An 85-year-old internally displaced person (IDP) died after taking his own life amid severe livelihood hardships, including rising commodity prices, limited job opportunities and an inability to afford medical treatment.

Livestock, including chickens and pigs, were also lost in the flooding, while residents said they are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Severe flooding in Minbya Township, Arakan State, from 7 July to 12 July caused extensive erosion along the Laymyo River, destroying at least 18 homes across three urban wards and leaving dozens of other households at risk.

Residents of Taungpauk Village in the upper reaches of the Yoe Creek area of Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, are facing severe shortages of food and emergency assistance after the entire village was submerged by flooding in recent days.

At least 40 residents of Phaungseik Village in the Samatichaung area of Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, have contracted malaria following severe flooding that submerged the entire village.

Although floodwaters have receded following severe flooding in Ramree Township, Arakan State, damaged roads and bridges continue to disrupt travel, according to local residents.

The Myanmar military’s Regional Operations Command (ROC) based in Sittwe, Arakan State, has been continuously firing heavy artillery, while jet fighters conduct surveillance flights overhead, according to local residents.

More than 500 residents of Maunghnitma Village in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, are facing a severe drinking water shortage after floodwaters contaminated the village’s communal water ponds with saltwater.

Severe flooding has destroyed paddy fields and vegetable plantations across Mrauk-U Township, leaving farmers struggling to resume agricultural activities, according to local residents.

Severe cash shortages across Arakan State in recent days have driven up mobile money transaction fees, according to local residents and digital wallet service agents.

At least four junta warships have been moving in waters off the coast of Thandwe Township and surrounding areas, raising concerns among local residents.

Landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains and mountain torrents along the India-Arakan trade route have left hundreds of cargo trucks stranded, according to local merchants.

A 30-year-old man drowned amid severe monsoon flooding in Shwetalae Village, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, according to local sources.

Continuous heavy rainfall in recent days has caused severe flooding across Arakan State, leaving Minbya town and more than 30 villages affected by floodwaters, according to local residents.

Dengue fever and malaria outbreaks have hit Waithali Village in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, leaving two people dead and nearly 100 others suffering from severe fever, according to local residents.