5 June, 2026
Over 50,000 local residents from more than 110 villages in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, have become internally displaced as fierce fighting rages in the area, humanitarian groups report. Those uprooted are encountering serious problems securing food, shelter and other basic needs.
Since early May, Kyaukphyu town and surrounding areas have been attacked by heavy military operations involving ground troops, artillery and air strikes. Clashes between the junta’s forces and the Arakan Army have also intensified, causing civilians to flee en masse.
Ko Naing Lin Htun, chairman of the Zing Chaung Youth Charity Group, told People Radio Myanmar that the situation on the ground is extremely difficult and that the number of displaced people has already exceeded 50,000. He said the main concerns are access to food, clothing and safe places to live.
“The ground conditions are very challenging. There are more than 50,000 displaced people. The biggest needs are food and shelter, and there are many other difficulties. About 110 villages are affected, and for now we have only managed to provide minimal, temporary living arrangements,” he explained.
Because the monsoon season is underway, roads and transport routes have become harder to use, complicating relief deliveries. Emergency shelters and protective coverings are urgently needed to help displaced families withstand heavy rains.
Humanitarian workers say the junta has stepped up military pressure across Rakhine State during the ruling body’s recent administrative campaign, targeting towns and villages with airstrikes and ground offensives while seeking to reclaim areas previously held by other forces.
Kyaukphyu hosts several strategic installations, including a Chinese government-backed special economic zone and port project, and military bases such as the junta’s naval headquarters and several naval detachments (Taung Maw Gyi, Ohn Kyain, Kha La Ya 34, Kha Ma Ya 542, Kha Ma Ya 543) as well as police unit No. 32, making the area a focal point for fighting and increasing risks for civilians.
