Local Infantry Regiments 15 Plus Troops from Rakhine Mobilized for Defense Preparations in Sittwe

In Rakhine State, under an interim government that reportedly only governs three townships, gunfire has been heard again in the capital Sittwe, and it is understood that defensive preparations are being specially enhanced. As of July 25, it was reported that the AA had attacked the Shwe Myint Gar Naval Base in Sittwe Township with heavy weapons, causing damage. Furthermore, on July 22, the AA carried out drone attacks, dropping bombs on military outposts in Aung Tai village, behind the 270th Light Infantry Regiment. Following these attacks, local sources reported that the military brought hundreds of troops into Sittwe city by sea. "The attacks have increased recently, and since AA forces are blockading Sittwe and infiltrating and attacking regiments, the military is gathering as many troops as possible, digging double and triple trenches, and showing its strength in the city," a source told the Irrawaddy Times. Since 2019 and 2020, the military has been strenuously preparing defenses in Sittwe city, but currently, additional work is being done to erect fences along the coast and drive out residents from villages on the outskirts of the city to clear firing ranges. In June, armored vehicles were brought into the city using coastal transport vessels, and a show of force parade was held. An offensive against Ponnagyun Township, controlled by the AA, was also hinted at, but due to gunfire near the regional command, they were forced to retreat into the city. In Sittwe Township, there are a total of 15 regiments, including the Regional Command (Dacsa), the 20th Light Infantry Regiment, the 344th Light Infantry Regiment, the 232nd Light Infantry Regiment, the 270th Light Infantry Regiment, the 12th Police Battalion, and the 36th Police Battalion, as well as supporting units. Except for some police battalions and columns, the remaining regiments are located outside Sittwe city. The military had already moved weapons, ammunition, and shells from the arms and ammunition depot located on the outskirts of the city to near the regional command in April and ordered commando units to guard them. Furthermore, military sources have reported that preparations are underway to deploy two to three helicopters capable of emergency flights within the 20th Light Infantry Regiment and the medical regiment.