Two-thirds of Kyaukphyu residents flee fighting close to city

Narinjara News, January 6, 2025

The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military is approaching closer to Kyaukphyu, the site of multiple Chinese projects. As a consequence, two-thirds of the population has left the city.

A woman living in the area stated, "People have fled in the past, but during this month, the exodus has been significant. Artillery shells are landing on the outskirts of the city, instilling fear in the residents. Roads have been closed to prevent access to areas under AA control. In some wards, only 300 out of 1,000 homes remain, as around 700 households have departed.”

Since December 2025, violence has escalated in areas near Kyaukphyu. In January, reports indicate that there have been instances of gunfire and shelling close to the city. Many affluent individuals have relocated to Yangon and other parts of Burma, leaving impoverished manual workers and lower-ranked government employees.