23 clashes recorded over two weeks in Arakan State

By Admin 04 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 December 2024, Sittwe

There were 23 clashes in Arakan State between Myanmar's military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) in the two weeks from November 6 to 19, according to a report released by Burma News International (BNI).

In comparison, there were only 10 clashes in Arakan State from October 23 to November 5, the report said.

Of the regions and states where hostilities took place over November 6-19 period, Arakan State saw the largest number of clashes at 23.

Fighting is escalating as the AA continues to attack Arakan State townships that are militarily and politically important to the regime.

"The AA, which is waging a battle for control of Arakan State, is capturing military camps and towns one by one. Fighting is likely to continue in Arakan State as the AA continues its offensive," said a politician.

The AA is currently attacking remaining military positions and junta bases in Arakan State's Taungup, Maungdaw, Ann and Gwa townships.

Fighting is ongoing as the AA attacks the military's Ann-based Western Command, which is of military, political, and symbolic importance to the regime.

"The AA has taken control of most of downtown Ann. Fighting between the military and AA is escalating at the regime's Western Command in Ann," said a military source.

The AA has captured most of the military camps and junta bases in Ann Township, and the remaining military bases are reportedly being held by Western Command forces attempting to repel the AA advance.

Meanwhile, the battle for control of Arakan State's Gwa, where the AA is conducting a relentless offensive, has reached Yahai Kudoh Village, about one mile from the town, local sources say.

Gwa Township is closely linked to Ayeyarwady Region and holds strategic importance as AA control of the township would allow the ethnic armed group to pose a threat to the military's hold over the delta region.

As the theatre of conflict expands, the number of people displaced by regime airstrikes and artillery attacks is increasing, and they are facing multiple challenges in terms of food security and access to healthcare.

"As the number of displaced people increases, the amount of aid provided is not enough. Those displaced by the war have many needs besides food. Therefore, we are appealing to international organisations to step in and help," said a local man in Gwa Township who assists IDPs.

As many as 680,000 people in Arakan State have been displaced by fighting from the February 2021 coup through the end of October, and many of those IDPs are in need of food and medicines.

The AA has seized the majority of Arakan State's 17 townships and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State since the latest fighting with the Myanmar military began in November of last year. Clashes are reported on a near-daily basis as the AA attempts to seize Maungdaw, Ann, Taungup and Gwa townships.