By Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw | August 9, 2025 —
Jet fighters have been flying almost daily over Maungdaw town and along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border since the Myanmar military declared military control over 14 townships previously held by the Arakan Army (AA). The increased air presence has prompted many residents—both Rakhine and Rohingya, from southern Maungdaw and the town center to move north in search of safety.
Along the Kyauk Pandu coastline, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Mayu River, the Myanmar navy has expanded its operations, deploying warships and smaller vessels, conducting live-fire drills into nearby hills, and launching advanced surveillance drones. Locals fear that any military offensive against AA positions could devastate villages in the area, trapping civilians in the crossfire.
Residents say the jets sometimes approach from the Kyauktaw–Buthidaung corridor in the north, and at other times from Sittwe over the south. While no airstrikes have been reported, the aircraft have circled over Maungdaw for nearly an hour at a time, spreading panic among the population.
An average of 10–12 Rakhine families have been leaving the town each day, travelling by car to northern villages such as Aung Mingalar and Phar Wut Chaung. Rohingya residents, already living under heavy restrictions, are also preparing for possible evacuation. Many have packed essential documents and belongings to leave at short notice.
“We don’t know when they will attack,” said one Rohingya resident. “We are ready to run at any moment.”
If the security situation deteriorates further, residents say they plan to seek refuge at the Hlaphokhaung rescue camp.
