Troops of the Interim Government Army in Sittwe are demoralized, and reinforcements are being sent by warships from the Naval Headquarters in Kyaukphyu

Military tensions are escalating in Rakhine State, and it is known that troops of the interim government army, which is facing urban offensives by the Arakan Army (AA) and is forced to engage in defensive battles, are experiencing demoralization and exhaustion. Military tensions are also high in Sittwe city, and the army is conducting morale-boosting operations for troops temporarily recalled from the front lines. "Sittwe is surrounded and we are waiting in defense. We are defending against attacks in Shweminngan. We are also defending in Naran Kan. If heavy weapons land in the command center, people die. There is no recovery from external battles. We are repeatedly calling them back from the front lines for a short period to boost their morale and then sending them back," a military source told the Irrawaddy Times. It is known that at the ceremony for troops temporarily recalled from the front lines, which was attended by the State Commander, Brigadier General Kyaw Zaw (Infantry Regiment 43), on August 30, troops engaged in front-line battles had to temporarily withdraw to regimental headquarters based in the city. Furthermore, it is known that demoralization within the army is increasing as they are preparing defensive positions while awaiting the AA's offensive. Among the five infantry regiments based in Sittwe city, all except the Light Infantry Regiment-270 based in Yaechampyan are positioned on the left and right sides of the Yangon-Sittwe Union Highway. Previously, Light Infantry Regiment-232 was called back to the rear, and this time, the closest regiment to Sittwe city, Light Infantry Regiment-354, has been temporarily called back for rest and is being redeployed to other battlefields. Similarly, military tensions are high in Kyaukphyu Township, and on August 28, two attack warships from the Dhanyawadi Naval Headquarters were sent to reinforce the Toummaou Naval Base, where battles are intense, with troops and ammunition. It is known that these warships fired heavy weapons at areas near the coast before reaching the Toummaou Base. Photo caption: Troops of the military group.