Regime beefs up security, interrogates locals in Thandwe

By Admin 13 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 April 2024, Thandwe

Myanmar’s military regime has tightened security in Thandwe, Arakan State, conducting strict interrogations of local people since April 9.

Junta police officers this week conducted interrogations of passersby near Myoma Market and Basic Education High School No. 1 in Thandwe.

“The regime has tightened security. Previously, the regime blocked off entries and exits of the town, but it conducted strict interrogations of local residents, especially local men,” said a local man in Thandwe.

Local people are worried about their safety due to the junta’s strict interrogations and arrests of local people, he added. The regime detained a local woman in Bauktaung Village, Thandwe Township, on April 7.

Residents say the regime may be tightening security and inspections, fearing that the Arakan Army (AA) offensive will spill over into Thandwe Township.

Junta naval ships, meanwhile, fired mortar shells into Ngankyun, Kyaukseik, Taungnyo and nearby villages in Thandwe Township on April 9.

“The junta naval vessels fired heavy weapons into some villages despite there being no fighting in the area. The locals are very fearful about their safety,” said a resident of Taungnyo Village.

The regime carried out airstrikes on three villages in Thandwe Township last month without any fighting in the area.

Fighting has been raging in Arakan State for about five months. To date, the AA has seized nine townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State. The AA continues to launch offensive attacks on regime forces in an effort to control the entirety of Arakan State, said AA chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing.