The Myanmar Army is reportedly using ordinary citizens as human shields in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, as the Arakan Army (AA) advances towards seizing control of the town, according to a report by Irrawaddy, an independent news site.

The AA has gained control over the entire northern part of Rakhine State and is now encircling Sittwe. “If neighboring Maungdaw Township falls, it’s a matter of time that Sittwe will follow suit,” an expert on Burma and Southeast Asia told The Mirror Asia (TMA).

In an attempt to halt the AA’s advance, two major road bridges in Sittwe and Kyauktaw townships, which lead to the capital, were blown up in February, according to sources.

Sittwe is bordered by the sea, making a water-based offensive the only viable option for the AA. TMA could not independently verify the claims of using human shields. However, the All-Arakan Students’ and Youths’ Congress (AASYC) in a statement on Tuesday alleged that residents of over 12 villages north of Sittwe were ordered to demolish their homes and evacuate within five days starting from Monday.

Experts fear that the junta's order for villagers to move to the capital is a strategic attempt to use them as human shields. Since launching its offensive in November last year, the AA has seized control of 10 of the state’s 17 townships. The AA also claims to have captured Paletwa Town in neighboring Chin State after months of intense fighting, securing Myanmar junta strategic bases and command centers.