Myanmar: Additional fighting between military, armed groups likely in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, as of July 20

Event

Additional armed clashes between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and anti-junta groups will likely occur in northern Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, as of July 20. Fighting with the ethnically-based armed group Arakan Army (AA) killed dozens of border police officers near Donekalar, Sankarpinyin, Saung Pyinnyar, and Wetkyein villages the morning of July 18. The skirmishes have reportedly forced dozens to hundreds of locals to evacuate the area.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security in the affected areas in the coming days. Localized transport disruptions are probable, especially if further skirmishes occur. The military may suspend internet and telecommunications services in areas affected by fighting. Militant groups may also increase their patrols in the region. Regime officials have also restricted nongovernmental organization (NGO) workers from entering the affected areas over security concerns; it is unclear if authorities provide any exemptions from the policy. Business disruptions are likely for NGOs that operate in the impacted localities.

The impact area is around 100 km (62 miles) north-northwest of Sittwe.

Context

There have been increased tension and clashes between regime forces and the AA as of July 2022 following retaliatory killings and detainment of the two sides' soldiers. The increase in fighting has occurred despite the informal ceasefire that the AA and the military agreed on, November 2020, and the relative lack of large-scale armed clashes in Rakhine State following the February 2021 military coup in comparison to other states and regions in Myanmar.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to the affected areas until tensions subside and renewed fighting becomes less likely. Reach out to trusted local contacts to determine security conditions, as reporting is often delayed. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks and heed all instructions from security personnel; remain cooperative if stopped for inspections. If fighting occurs nearby, immediately leave the area, seek shelter at a safe nongovernment building, and stay away from windows. If operating in the affected region, maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.