Around 10,000 junta soldiers and BGF members deployed in Maungdaw, says AA spox

By DMG 19 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
19 September 2022, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime has deployed 9,000 to 10,000 soldiers and police in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, where military tensions are running high, Arakan Army spokesman U Khaing Thukha said at an online press conference on Monday.

There is currently competition between the Myanmar military and the AA in Maungdaw Township, where both sides are stationed, he added.

The Myanmar military sent reinforcements to Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships and deployed at least 6,000 Border Guard Force (BGF) members and 10 battalions, U Khaing Thukha said.

“The regime increased its military presence in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. We’ve also deployed many of our troops to the area where there are junta forces. I don’t think it’s wrong if the army and the AA are competing with each other to control the Maungdaw region. If the Myanmar military continues to aggress, new clashes can happen anytime, anywhere,” he added.

U Khaing Thukha said that since the fighting in Arakan State could intensify, the people need to avoid fighting flashpoints and prepare for the danger of heavy weapons.

Renewed fighting in Paletwa and Maungdaw townships has intensified in recent weeks, with the AA taking control of areas in Arakan State as junta troops have retreated from positions such as an encampment at Milepost No. 40 in Maungdaw Township that the AA seized on August 31.

The military has since conducted combat operations, including the use of heavy artillery and aerial bombings, on AA targets in an effort to wrestle back control of the military outposts in Maungdaw and Paletwa, the AA said in a statement..

Local people in Maungdaw Township are facing difficulties as the military blocked off the main trading route, said U Maung Ohn, a former Arakan State lawmaker.

“Military tensions between the military and AA continue to escalate. Local people are facing livelihood hardships due to the military’s travel restrictions. The number of displaced people is on the rise, and they need assistance,” the ex-legislator added.

He urged military council officials to make necessary arrangements as soon as possible to allow people to move freely.

A series of clashes between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army have been reported across Arakan State since August, with thousands of people displaced by the renewed hostilities.