Arakan Army clashes with military in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 22 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
22 December 2023, Kyaukphyu

A clash between the military and Arakan Army (AA) broke out near the Danyawaddy naval base in the Thitpoketaung area of Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, at about 8 a.m. on Friday.

The clash erupted after the Arakan Army attacked a military truck carrying about 20 junta soldiers, with the fighting lasting about 30 minutes.

“A skirmish broke out between the military and AA this morning. The AA attacked a military truck departing from the Danyawaddy naval base with RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades]. There are many reports regarding the fighting, but we cannot confirm the details,” said a resident from a nearby village.

DMG continues to investigate specifics regarding the clash. Regime soldiers tightened security in Thitpoketaung, Shaukchaung, Simaw and Saichone villages following the AA’s attack on the military vehicle.

The fighting occurred between the military and AA after the ethnic armed group attacked an oil bowser heading to the military’s Danyawaddy naval base with remote-controlled mines, according to another local resident. The Danyawaddy naval base is a 40-minute sea journey from Made Island, where a high-profile Chinese deep seaport project is located.

DMG continues to attempt to contact AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha and junta spokesperson Major-General Zaw Min Tun for comment.

Fully-armed junta soldiers can be seen patrolling suburban wards of Kyaukphyu such as Ngalapwe, Kanyindaw, Pyinphyumaw and Taungyi due to recent fighting in the island town. 

“There were some junta camps in suburban wards in Kyaukphyu in the past. I think the military attempted to send reinforcements to these camps. There was a worried look on their faces,” said a local man in Kyaukphyu.

The AA has not yet carried out attacks to seize junta bases in Kyaukphyu Township. Personnel at police outposts in several villages have, however, either abandoned their positions or surrendered to the AA since renewed fighting broke out on November 13.

Fighting, which began on November 13 following the Brotherhood Alliance’s launch of “Operation 1027,” has been escalating in Arakan State and has spread to Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ann, Myebon, Kyaukphyu and Ramree townships.