Junta forces demolish Muslim villages near Sittwe battalions citing security concern

Narinjara News, 4 April 2026

The junta forces demolished two Muslim villages located near police and military battalions in Sittwe of Arakan State, under the pretext of security concern, said local residents.

The destruction began on 3 April targeting Thandawli and Imabari Muslim villages, situated in close proximity to the number 12 police battalion headquarters.

"From today onwards, we can see the demolitions. It is that both the army and police personnel are engaged in actions," said a local resident.

Due to demolitions, many Muslim families from the outskirts were compelled to come inside the city center to take refuge in overcrowded monasteries. They are increasing the number of displaced residents in the capital city.

"Many Muslims from outside the city came inside after the battle intensified. Additionally, many Arakanese residents previously expelled by the army also came to the city and took refuge near the monastery," added the resident.

The demolition, aimed at creating a buffer zone before the Thingyan festival, is meant to prevent Arakan Army (AA) fighters from using the villages as cover areas when targeting military installations.

Reports indicate that all Muslim villages near the number 12 and 36 police battalions will be cleared.

Thandawli village is located near Shwemingang, a strategic area where the battles are now going on frequently. Those villages situated between military and police battalions were deemed a security risk for the junta forces.

A Muslim elder told Narinjara News that the military personnel were arresting the villagers in Sittwe locality over alleged links with the AA, where State chief minister U Htin Lin urged Muslim residents not to support the AA.

Since 2025, the junta continues providing military training to the residents belonging to 10 Muslim villages under Sittwe including Aung Mya (Impala) and Bumay wards to fight against the AA.

In the current fighting, the junta has used many of these trained residents f