Border News Agency
Sittwe, August 9.

People who have personally experienced it and local residents confirm that the junta continues to strictly inspect everyone arriving by plane to Sittwe, which is still controlled by the Myanmar junta.

Those entering Sittwe from Yangon are thoroughly checked individually by the military at the airport entrance before being allowed to enter the city, according to eyewitness accounts.

“The main concern is that members of the Arakan Army (AA) and those associated with them might enter the town. They seem worried about this. Each traveler is questioned in detail. Individuals are called into VIP rooms for thorough checks. Their phones are inspected. Some are even asked to take off their jackets. Afterwards, photos are taken. The military is the main force conducting these inspections,” said a firsthand witness who experienced this and spoke to Border News Agency.

Those who enter are also reportedly subject to continued detention if anything related to the AA, NUG, PDF, or similar groups is found on their phones, according to eyewitnesses who have personally experienced this.

Only air travel is allowed between Sittwe and Yangon, while all land and water routes remain closed by the junta. Locals in Sittwe say that those arriving by air are also subjected to the strictest security checks.

“If you plan to go to Sittwe, it’s best only if you can endure being thoroughly checked by the military. Otherwise, you could be arrested at any time,” said a local from Sittwe who personally experienced the military’s inspections, speaking to Border News Agency.

In Sittwe Township, the military commission continues to carry out operations, including establishing checkpoints and fortifications. Civilians are being arrested daily in ongoing crackdowns, and members of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) are reportedly collaborating with junta forces, according to local residents.

Although the Arakan Army (AA) has not yet launched any offensive attacks on Sittwe, tensions between both sides remain high. According to local residents, the military commission frequently conducts bombardments using drones, heavy weapons, warships, and military aircraft.