Over 60 junta soldiers killed in clashes with AA, says latter

By Admin 30 Mar 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 March 2024, Sittwe

A total of 65 junta soldiers were killed and 43 injured in six days of fighting with the Arakan Army (AA) from March 24-29 in Arakan State and Magway Region, according to the AA.

Ten junta soldiers were killed and around 18 injured in fighting in Nga Phe Township, Magway Region, on March 26 and March 28. Fifteen junta soldiers were killed and some 15 injured in fighting in Ann Township, Arakan State, on March 26.

Twenty junta soldiers were killed and more than 10 injured in the fighting in Buthidaung Township on March 24-25. More than 20 junta soldiers were killed in fighting in Maungdaw Township on March 24.

DMG could not independently verify the AA’s reports. The regime rarely reveals its casualties in fighting.

“The AA has been attacking and seizing junta positions in Arakan State, and the regime is doing whatever it can to defend against the AA’s attacks. So, the fighting will continue to intensify,” said a social activist in Arakan State.

The AA has been attacking junta positions in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Ann townships, and the regime has been defending the attacks with air and artillery support, resulting in fierce clashes.

There were a total of 179 clashes between the regime and the AA from October 27, 2023, to March 12, 2024, according to a BNI-Myanmar Peace Monitor report. A total of 31 junta soldiers were killed in two weeks of fighting from February 28 to March 12.

The AA has so far seized eight townships in Arakan State as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State. Thousands of junta soldiers and their relatives have surrendered to the AA.

“The regime has been suffering defeats not only in Arakan State but on every battlefield across the country. It is the result of the efforts of revolutionary forces that are fighting to root out the military dictatorship,” said one politician.

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has called on his army, police and militias to work together with people to restore peace and stability in areas hit by armed revolts.

Dozens of towns have fallen since the Brotherhood Alliance of three ethnic armies including the AA launched an anti-regime offensive Operation 1027 in late October of last year. The AA has seized nine towns — the largest number among the ethnic armies, according to a BNI report.