Myanmar: Authorities imposing curfew measures in Sittwe, Rakhine State, as of Sept. 30

Event

Authorities are imposing a 22:00-05:00 nightly curfew in Sittwe, Rakhine State, until further notice amid public security concerns. Officials have warned individuals not to leave home at night. All businesses and stores must close during curfew hours.

Security personnel will likely erect checkpoints and increase patrols, and increased security measures may prompt localized transport disruptions. Businesses will likely close early to accommodate the curfew.

Context

There has been heightened tension in Myanmar amid anti-regime groups' continued civil unrest and clashes with the Tatmadaw and its related forces since the February 2021 military coup, when the Tatmadaw ousted the democratically elected government led by then-State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The anti-regime groups include the National Unity Government's (NUG) People’s Defense Force (PDF), as well as various other ethnic armed organizations. Tatmadaw troops continue to engage in armed conflict with ethnic armed groups and PDF units nationwide. Several armed resistance groups have carried out bombings and targeted killings in urban areas. In Rakhine State, clashes between regime forces and the Arakan Army (AA) continue to occur as of September 2022 following retaliatory killings and detainment of soldiers on both sides.

Advice

Abide by the conditions of the curfew. Strictly avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, or any public gatherings of five and more people that may materialize. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernment building. Heed all official security instructions. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.