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Junta warships threaten local's livelihoods in southern Arakan
Locals in Thandwe, Gwa, and Ramree townships are struggling to make ends meet as Myanmar's military navy intensifies its presence in coastal waters, threatening their primary livelihood: fishing.
12 Nov 2025
DMG Newsroom
12 November 2025, Thandwe
Locals in Thandwe, Gwa, and Ramree townships are struggling to make ends meet as Myanmar's military navy intensifies its presence in coastal waters, threatening their primary livelihood: fishing.
Residents say Myanmar Navy warships are patrolling the seas more frequently, firing artillery at coastal villages, and arresting fishermen. As a result, many are facing a food crisis, unable to fish safely.
"We see junta warships moving up and down the waters off Thandwe. Fishermen are afraid to go far from the shore, so they are only fishing close to the coast," said a local source in Thandwe.
The military regime has increased its naval patrols off Gwa and Thandwe, shelling residential areas and putting civilians at risk.
In response, the Arakan Army has banned night fishing near Thandwe and Gwa from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. indefinitely, starting 19 October. The group also warned fishermen not to venture far from shore during the day and to return immediately if they see Myanmar Navy vessels.
"The main livelihood in Gwa Township is fishing. Fishermen are scared and no longer dare to go out to sea because junta warships shoot and arrest them without reason," said the manager of the Gwa Township IDP Relief Committee.
Military observers say the regime's naval escalation aims to recapture townships controlled by the Arakan Army ahead of upcoming elections, using warships to reinforce forces and transport weapons to towns it still controls, including Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung.
"The military regime is showing off its naval strength, firing heavy weapons, and intimidating local residents," said a military analyst.
