Security and Guest List Checks in Sittwe Stepped Up Due to Fighting

Narinjara, June 1, 2026

Security in Sittwe has been significantly tightened, featuring closer monitoring and increased guest list checks, due to frequent clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in areas between Sittwe and Ponna Kyunt Townships.

A local woman from Sittwe reported that security measures have escalated since May 7, involving both naval and military personnel.

"There are groups of five or six people at almost every intersection in the city," she said, noting that personnel are seen in a mix of military bags, uniforms, and civilian clothes. She added that the Myanmar military has been reinforcing its strength and making operational preparations in Sittwe since the first week of May.

Additionally, the military's 20th Battalion has an emergency helicopter and has been constructing bunkers and outposts along the outskirts of the city. Military sources told Narinjara that checkpoints have increased in frequency and troop numbers at existing posts have been reinforced.

Fighting has also occurred in and around Kankaw Island, Kyauktan Gyi, Padalak, and Towkan villages near Sittwe since May 22, but traffic within the city remains normal, according to one resident.

"We are living peacefully in Sittwe. They say that the fighting is happening near Kankaw Kyunt, Kyauktan Gyi, and Padalak," the resident noted, adding that these areas are outside the city proper. "What is strange is that they are increasing guest list checks in Sittwe."

These checks are becoming more frequent, often beginning at 9 p.m. and scaling up to encompass three or four wards per day, happening multiple times a week.

"The number of guest checks has increased," another resident said. "If the joint forces of the army, police, and immigration find anyone suspicious, they are dragged away. They are not being released unless a bribe is paid. The situation is worse in the suburbs and areas where daily wage workers live."

A source close to the AA stated that while occasional clashes have occurred in neighboring areas between Sittwe and Ponna Kyunt townships, there have been no major incidents in the immediate vicinity yet. The junta military has been firing more heavy weapons, particularly into Pauktaw, Ponna Kyunt, and Rathedaung townships, which are controlled by the Arakan Army.

In retaliation, the AA has fired heavy weapons, including rockets, at military bases in Sittwe. Explosions have reportedly occurred inside these bases, prompting soldiers to abandon their dormitories for bunkers and shelters. Locals also reported hearing of individuals sleeping in trenches and Muslim villages to avoid AA shelling attacks