Mizzima

Myanmar army soldiers have arrested police officers in Ann Township, Rakhine State, and some have reportedly abandoned the station.

On the morning of 7 November, approximately a hundred soldiers from the Military Council, accompanied by four military vehicles, launched a raid on the Tattaung Police Station in Ann Township, Rakhine State.

During the operation, they forcibly arrested Police Major Myo Min Tun, a sub-inspector, and two other policemen. Following the arrests, the remaining police personnel evacuated the station, fleeing the scene, according to local sources.

“I think that the soldiers came to seize the police station. They established security around the entire police station. Subsequently, they arrested the police officers, and we are unaware of the reasons behind the arrests," said a local witness.

He also mentioned that after the arrests, the remaining policemen fled from the station. Presently, there are approximately 30 soldiers stationed at the Tattaung Police Station.

“Since 7 November, the police station has been under the control of military troops, and the weapons within the station are now in the possession of the soldiers,” said an Ann Township resident.

Police Major Myo Min Tun was promoted six months ago and became Police Station Officer at the Tattaung Police Station. This promotion followed his service of over a year and a half at the Ann Township Police Station.

Local rumours suggest that the arrest of Police Major Myo Min Tun and other officers at the Tattaung Police Station might be attributed to either some policemen establishing connections with the Arakan Army (AA) or potentially disobeying orders.

Mizzima attempted to contact the Rakhine State Police Force regarding the arrested police officers but did not receive a reply.

As of 9 November, the arrested police officers are reportedly undergoing interrogation at the Western Military Command based in Ann Township, according to a news source.