AA offensive verges on downtown Ann

By Admin 13 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 November 2024, Ann

The Arakkha Army (AA) continues to make territorial inroads in Ann Township, where the Myanmar military’s Western Command is based, and the fighting is intensifying, according to military sources.

“A clash reportedly broke out between the military and AA at a location about three furlongs from the Myoma Police Station in Ward-5 in Ann yesterday. Fighting continues this morning,” said a military source on Wednesday.

The AA has stepped up attacks in an effort to seize the Western Command, and the ethnic armed group has so far taken control of at least 10 junta camps in the township. Locals trapped by the fighting in Ann are worried about their safety.

“Locals trapped by fighting in Ann are in trouble due to the regime’s artillery attacks,” said another source.

Since the intensification of the fighting in Ann, the regime has severely curtailed the movement of people in and out of the township, leaving many residents trapped and physically insecure in addition to facing an ongoing and increasingly acute food crisis.

“As the AA is desperately trying to capture the military’s Western Command, the regime is fiercely resisting the ethnic armed group’s offensive with ground and naval support, not wanting to be harmed militarily but also for its reputation,” said a military observer in Arakan State.

“The Ann-based Western Command is the highest military headquarters in Arakan State. Taungup and Ann are in bad shape if the military’s Western Command falls to the AA. Junta soldiers may be demoralised. … At such a time, the regime cannot afford to lose the Ann-based Western Command.”

Wednesday marked one year since the latest fighting between the Myanmar military and AA broke out in Arakan State on November 13, 2023.

In the 12 months since, the AA has seized Pauktaw, Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Ramree, and Thandwe townships in Arakan State, plus Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

The AA has vowed to seize all junta positions in Arakan State. The armed group will attempt to liberate the entirety of Arakan State in 2025, according to military and political analysts.