Residents in the Arakan State capital of Sittwe are facing a sweeping 90-day operation to inspect overnight guest lists, a move locals say is designed to root out individuals sharing information with independent Burmese media outlets or armed resistance groups, such as the Arakan Army (AA).

The crackdown, which began in April, was ordered by the regime’s Arakan State Chief Minister Naing Oo shortly after his appointment by regime leader Min Aung Hlaing on April 6. His administration has yet to make any official public announcement regarding the widespread inspections.

Targeting the displaced

The operation is heavily impacting some of the region’s most vulnerable populations. An aid worker, speaking to DVB on the condition of anonymity, revealed that 50 temporary shelters set up at local monasteries are being targeted for inspection this month.

Since 2024, over 10,000 residents from 20 surrounding villages have been displaced from their homes and forced to seek refuge in Sittwe.

Amid the crackdown, there are growing reports of extortion and abuse. Sources claim an unknown number of Sittwe residents have been arbitrarily arrested and subjected to forced labor by the military unless they can pay a bribe to secure their release.

DVB has not been able to independently verify these specific allegations.

A shrinking regime footprint

The intense surveillance and tightening of control in the state capital reflect the military’s increasingly fragile grip on the broader region.

Naypyidaw currently maintains control of Sittwe—which is home to around 200,000 residents—along with partial control of the port city of Kyaukphyu and the island of Manaung.

However, the military has suffered massive territorial losses in the surrounding areas.

The Arakan Army (AA) has seized 14 of the 17 townships in Arakan, as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State, since launching a major offensive in 2023.