by Hafizur Rahman
November 17, 2025. Sittwe, Rakhine State
Families attempting to flee Sittwe by boat were reportedly shot at by the Myanmar Navy, leaving several people dead or injured, according to residents in the area. The fleeing civilians, mostly Rakhine families, were trying to escape forced recruitment and worsening food shortages inside the city.
Local people said the Arakan Liberation Party forces, working alongside the Myanmar military, have been collecting new recruits and restricting food supplies. These conditions have pushed families to take the risk of escaping by water, often late at night or before dawn.
Navy Opens Fire on Boats
Residents reported that as several boats moved away from Sittwe toward safer areas, Navy vessels opened fire. Some boats were hit and sank, causing deaths among those on board. The incident has left many families in shock, and people inside Sittwe say the city has become increasingly unlivable.
A man from Sittwe said it has become impossible for ordinary families to remain in the city. He explained that people attempted to run for safety but were shot at while travelling on the water. He added that the families had no weapons and were simply trying to save their lives.
Unconfirmed Casualty Numbers
The exact number of deaths has not been confirmed by rescue volunteers. Communication remains difficult, and many of the affected families were moving without any formal support. Locals say that despite the risks, more people continue to look for ways to escape the city each day as the pressure on civilians intensifies.
Residents say the situation in Sittwe is worsening, with both forced recruitment and food shortages increasing. Many fear more violence as families continue to flee toward the coast in search of safety.
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