The Rohingya population in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, has been ordered by the Arakan Army (AA) to evacuate immediately, as the armed group plans to launch a major offensive against Myanmar’s military forces (SAC). The AA has directed the Rohingya residents of Sittwe, including those in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and surrounding villages, to relocate to safer areas under AA control, particularly in Kyauktaw Township and Rathedaung.
The directive comes as tensions between the AA and Myanmar’s military have reached a boiling point, with both sides preparing for intense clashes in the region. The AA’s order has left many Rohingya families scrambling to find a safe passage out of Sittwe, knowing that they must navigate treacherous routes to reach safety.
The evacuation is not without significant risks. Those attempting to cross the Kaladan and May Yu rivers face the threat of being attacked by SAC forces and other armed groups, who have shown little mercy in recent weeks. Reports from local sources indicate that the situation on the ground is deteriorating rapidly, with shelling in Sittwe already claiming the lives of several displaced Rohingya civilians.
Residents in Kyauktaw Township have been asked to offer refuge to the incoming Rohingya from Sittwe, but the logistics of such a large-scale evacuation remain uncertain. The AA’s call for evacuation underscores the precariousness of the Rohingya’s situation, as they are once again caught in the crossfire of Myanmar’s brutal internal conflict.
