Residents in Myanmar's Maungdaw Township say the Arakan Army has imposed a nighttime curfew and instructed households to construct bomb shelters amid fears of potential airstrikes in the area.
According to multiple residents, the restrictions apply across both northern and southern parts of the township. Under the new directive, people are required to remain indoors from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
Local sources said the order was announced on May 22, with authorities also directing families to prepare shelters that could be used in the event of aerial attacks.
A resident from northern Maungdaw said the timing of the curfew has created difficulties for many families preparing for Eid al-Adha.
"The curfew was announced shortly before Eid," the resident told The Daily East. "People are worried because there are many things to arrange for the festival, but moving around has become more difficult."
Another resident said economic hardship is making it challenging for many households to comply with the shelter requirement.
"People are trying to follow the instructions, but many families do not have enough money or available space to build proper bomb shelters," the resident said. "It has become an additional burden on families that are already facing financial difficulties."
Residents also reported that enforcement of the curfew has so far remained limited due to the Eid holiday period.
"We have not yet seen strict action against people who are outside during curfew hours," another resident said. "But many believe enforcement could become stricter once the holiday period is over."
