The battle to capture Kyaukphyu, where Chinese-proposed projects are located, is intensifying day by day, with clashes now occurring within areas designated for Chinese investment projects.
On March 3 and 4, fierce fighting erupted in the Thit Poke Taung and Gone Chaung areas of Kyaukphyu Township. These areas are occupied within the proposed zones for the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the deep-sea port project.
“Today, clashes are erupting near Shauk Chaung and See Maw villages. The Arakan Army (AA) is launching offensives targeting the naval base. The villages currently affected are intermediate outposts before reaching the naval base. These areas are also part of the planned Kyaukpyu SEZ,” a source told Lay Waddy FM.
The military junta has set up multiple defensive outposts along the routes connecting the Kyaukpyu-based No.32 Police Battalion and the Thit Poke Taung Naval Headquarters. The AA is reportedly attacking these outposts and advancing toward the naval headquarters.
“Clashes become now frequent between Thit Poke Taung and the No.32 Police Battalion. The military is also conducting airstrikes. Clashes occur daily, and the junta is also fiercely resisting by the aerial attacks to prevent losing these areas,” a local source reported.
Kyaukphyu Township hosts 11 Chinese investment projects and is the starting point for natural gas and oil pipelines.
The Kyaukphyu SEZ project covers a large area around Maday Island in Kyaukphyu Township, spanning over 600 acres. The project includes plans for a deep-sea port capable of accommodating large oil tankers, an industrial zone, and residential buildings.
Additionally, the junta navy heavily secured oil storage tanks and gas purification facilities, with daily exports of natural gas.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the junta has continued to call for tenders for offshore oil blocks and signed agreements for the SEZ project in Naypyidaw.
Furthermore, CITIC Group, the company responsible for implementing the SEZ in Kyaukpyu, met with junta officials in Naypyidaw on February 21.
