Junta navy bombards coastal villages in Gwa Township

Coastal villages in Gwa Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State, are facing escalating danger as junta naval warships continue firing artillery toward residential areas on a near-daily basis, according to locals.

On the night of November 25, naval vessels launched at least eight artillery rounds, hitting Aungchantha Village. Although no casualties were reported, the blast intensified fears among villagers already living under constant threat.

The shelling followed a series of attacks earlier in the week. Between November 21 and 23, junta forces fired no fewer than 20 artillery shells around Gwa town, the township capital.

“The warships are firing every single day. We see so many vessels moving up and down the coast. People are extremely worried because we have no idea if the junta is preparing a major assault. And if the regime launches an offensive, where are civilians supposed to run?” said Gwa Township resident.

The sustained bombardment has severely disrupted daily life. Fishermen said they can no longer venture out to sea, raising fears of a looming food shortage in the coastal communities.

With the coup regime’s election drawing near, its military pressure has sharply increased in Arakan Army (AA)-controlled areas across Thandwe, Gwa, Taungup, and Ann townships.

The junta has relied on a combination of artillery strikes, air attacks, and naval bombardments, contributing to heightened insecurity across southern Arakan State including Gwa Township.

“Even if the junta attempts to push toward Gwa, breaking through the region won’t be easy. The AA and its allied forces have already sealed off the main access routes into southern Arakan State. As usual, the junta seems more likely to target civilian areas with airstrikes and naval fire. Locals need to stay alert,” a military analyst based in Arakan State warned.