SAC Announces Maritime Security Exercise in Andaman Sea
By Network Media Group
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Next week, the State Administration Council (SAC) will conduct a maritime exercise near the Myeik (also known as Mergui) islands in Burma’s Taninthayi Region.
According to its mouthpieces, New Light of Myanmar and The Mirror, a live-fire exercise in the sea and air is scheduled to take place from November 7 to 9. They’ve cautioned all civilians to avoid the restricted zones during the drill set in the Andaman Sea near Kyunsu Township in Myeik District.
A People’s Defence Officer (PDF) from Kyunsu Township expressed that although they can practice as much as they want, the military will ultimately fail without the people’s support.
“They will probably attack us during the navy exercise,” he said.
Another member of the armed resistance mentioned that the SAC is conducting the drill due to the PDFs’ attacks in the southern Burma region.
During clashes between the PDFs and SAC troops in Palaw, Thayet Chaung, and Launglon townships, naval vessels fired at the resistance fighters using heavy weapons.
A fisherman from Lin Lun in Kyunsu Township expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the exercise on his livelihood, particularly as it is the fishing season.
Non-military water vessels are prohibited from entering within 5 miles of the exercise site, while planes flying below 15,000 feet are also not permitted.
The navy has previously conducted similar exercises off the Rakhine coast.
