Border News Agency
Sittwe, August 13.

The Myanmar junta’s military commission still maintains control over Sittwe, the state government seat.

However, all towns surrounding Sittwe are under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).

Since the start of the AA’s decisive offensive, the majority of Sittwe’s residents have fled to safer places.

As a result, the city has become deserted and its streets have fallen silent.

However, this year, schools have reopened, and some local residents have returned to live in the city.

Still, despite the return of some residents, many houses remain closed and uninhabited.

Civilians in the city are allowed to move around within Sittwe, but travel outside the city is prohibited.

With some residents returning, the city appears somewhat livelier, yet the people of Sittwe are still struggling under the burden of extremely high commodity prices.

Border News Agency was able to visit and conduct field observations in Sittwe from early August until the second week of the month.