On August 21, Myanmar’s military began an offensive in Rakhine State to secure land for a planned port project backed by Russia, according to Reuters. The military said the operation is intended to clear the area for construction. The port project, announced in 2024, is being financed by Russian entities and is expected to facilitate maritime trade. Local officials reported heightened troop activity in the region, and concerns about potential civilian displacement have been raised. The junta has not disclosed a schedule for the port’s completion.