Myanmar Military Commission Using Civilians as Human Shields in Kyaukphyu, Arakan

News

Global Arakan Network November 23, 2025

Investigations indicate that military commission forces in Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, are using local residents—along with Rakhine travelers returning from abroad and other parts of Myanmar—as human shields amid escalating conflict.

According to an anonymous source, fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces has intensified around Kyaukphyu. As clashes draw closer, the military commission has blocked residents from fleeing and is detaining returning travelers instead of allowing them to go home.

“Fighting is much more intense than before. As the clashes approach the town, people are trying to escape. But the military (SAC) demands money from those attempting to flee. They have sealed off all entry and exit points and threaten to arrest anyone who tries to leave without permission. Many passengers arriving by plane from Yangon are also being trapped,” the source told AB News.

Another source reported that around 20 junta soldiers led by a soldier known as “Dasi” are roaming the town, breaking into unoccupied houses, and looting valuables. Residents are also being arrested on accusations of having ties to the AA.

“The group of about 20 soldiers led by ‘Dasi’ is extremely abusive. They break into empty homes and steal valuable items to resell. With their current authority, they arrest locals, accuse them of AA links, torture them, and some people must pay large sums to be released. It’s said the money is sent to his family in Yangon,” the source said.

Writer and social activist Wai Hun Aung told AB News that the junta’s use of civilians as human shields is intended to delay AA’s offensive operations.

“What the junta is doing—whether in Sittwe or in Kyaukphyu—is preventing civilians from leaving. They have locked down the town. Essentially, they are detaining civilians as human shields. This also provides them protective cover, because AA must avoid civilian harm, limiting their ability to carry out wide-scale operations,” he explained.

Google Map of Kyuakphyu (Photocrd)

Heavy clashes between the AA and junta forces continue in the southern and western areas of Kyaukphyu, while junta troops launch attacks on nearby villages.

As a result of these offensives, more than 2,300 people from around 20 villages in Kyaukphyu Township have fled and are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to Triple-T, an organization supporting displaced communities.

Triple-T said it has provided 120 million kyats—funded by domestic and international donors—for emergency relocation and one month of essential support for more than 2,000 displaced people.

The AA’s effort to capture Kyaukphyu—a key hub for several China-backed mega projects—has now stretched beyond nine months.

On November 14, numerous junta soldiers were killed or injured when AA artillery struck troops preparing for a photo session near the Meteorological Radar Station close to Min Pyin Village.

Determined not to lose Kyaukphyu, the junta has been using land, sea, and air power to hold the town. Meanwhile, civilian casualties continue to rise due to junta airstrikes and heavy artillery fire.

Source@arakanbaynews