On 15 September, the de facto authorities in Rakhine State have temporarily suspended all humanitarian food and cash distributions, effective immediately.
World Food Programme (WFP) and other UN agencies have been on lockdown in Northern Rakhine State until further notice in response to the announcement of 15 September and by the Arakan Army on 14 September that it would conduct permanent and ad hoc checks on waterways and roads in Rakhine State that are used regularly by the Myanmar Military. WFP’s distribution of relief assistance to more than 237,000 people on a monthly basis is hence on hold.
Both announcements come as clashes in Northern Rakhine continue to escalate, including airstrikes and armed confrontations.