Local people and CSOs said that over 26,000 people had fled from their homes including entire villages after hearing the news of imminent area clearing operations by Tatmadaw (government troops) to be conducted in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State.

But the Tatmadaw reiterated that they had already revoked the order on area clearing operations and they claimed that it was just incitement by the Arakan Army (AA). Previously Rakhine State government Minister of Border Affairs and Security said that Tatmadaw would conduct area clearing operations in 4-5 villages near Kyauktan village in Rathedaung Township where AA was operating in the area.

Over 20,000 villagers from 16 villages in Rathedaung Township fled from their homes up until July 6 and over 6,000 villagers from five villages in Ann Township have also fled from their homes.