The Arakan Army (AA) has warned people not to travel and to travel only in an emergency in Rakhine State because the Myanmar Military Council is targeting the public after they suffered setbacks in battle.

The statement issued on 21 July deeply urged the Rakhine people only to travel in case of emergency, to clear their data on their mobile phone and computer if they travel and to sleep with care.

“People who have to travel due to emergency or family matters should be careful while travelling, clear data in the mobile phone and computer if they travel, make sure to not carry any items or books or photos which might include evidence to arrest and prosecute them by the junta,” the statement said written in the Rakhine language.

Currently, phones and communication equipment such as computers belonging to travelers are forcibly confiscated by the Military Council in Rakhine State.

“The military council is committing crimes seizing with public belongings and arresting innocent civilians at night time,” noted the statement.

The AA claimed that when the military face defeat or difficulties, they tend to arrest and kill innocent civilians, attack monasteries and Christian churches, and bomb villages.

Rakhine State has been largely quiet since the military coup last year, but clashes have been erupting between junta troops and AA fighters.