Myanmar Fire Services Department (MFSD) yesterday denied rumours that the Arakan Army (AA) has released 12 out of 19 detained fire brigade members, according to the MFSD’s official. 

The MFS is in hot pursuit of fire brigade members. On October 10, the 11-member armed group abducted fire brigade members near Linmway Mountain about three miles from MraukU Township, en route to Sittwe from Mandalay. 

Most detainees are firefighter recruits who completed Pyin-Oo-Lwin Central Fire Services Training School. The AA also detained the deputy head of Thandwe Township fire service station who welcomed them. 

On the morning of  October 28, a member of village administration informed the fire services department about the release of detainees. 

“We are in search of the detainees in the villages. The MFSD did not found them though the department waited for them at the entrance gates and highway bus terminals until the evening of October 28,” said an official of the MFSD. 

On October 26, the AA armed group also abducted 58 servicemen, police members and civilians from Shwenadi vessel near Yaymyat village in Yathaedaung Township in Rakhine State. 

According to the statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the AA abducted 14 servicemen, 29 police members, two from the Prison Department and 13 civilians. 

According to the statement by Tatmadaw on October 27, 14 out of 58 detainees were rescued.