Junta, AA fight for control of strategic base in Kyauktaw Twsp

By Admin 01 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
1 January 2024, Sittwe

Junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA) are fighting fiercely for control of the Tinma tactical command base east of the Kaladan River in Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township.

The AA has been attacking the junta’s tactical command base on Mount Taung Shae, near the village of Tinma, since December 25.

“The fighting has been fierce day and night. They fought the whole night on December 31. There have also been air attacks. The regime carried out air attacks this morning with a jet fighter,” said a resident.

The No. 9 Military Operations Command based in Kyauktaw is reportedly providing artillery support for the junta troops in Tinma, deploying multiple rocket launchers.

Junta troops have reportedly abandoned their bases near Kha Paw and Myauk Taung villages, which are located near the Tinma tactical command base.

“Junta troops from those outposts fired artillery support on the first day of the fighting. Those bases were abandoned the following day. We haven’t heard artillery fire from those outposts since,” said another resident.

Locals have been fleeing their homes since the first day of fighting due to junta’s air and artillery strikes. A 38-year-old man from Alel Kyun Village who was hiding in the forest reportedly died of a heart attack on December 29.

The Tinma tactical command base is crucial for control of Kyauktaw and Paletwa townships. Civilians displaced by previous fighting would be able to return to home if the AA can seize the Tinma tactical command base, said residents.

A displaced man from Tinma Village said: “We Tinma villagers will be able to return home if the AA can seize control of that base. We will also be able to use the waterway to travel to Paletwa. It will be greatly beneficial for the AA.”

Junta troops from the 55th Light Infantry Battalion stationed on Mt. Taung Shae raided Tinma Village on March 13, 2020, and abducted 18 residents. Their fate is still unknown.

The AA has attacked and seized the Taron and Nonebu tactical command bases in Paletwa Township; the Cheinkalein and Done Pike bases in Rathedaung; the Done Nyo base in northern Maungdaw; the Kha Htee Hla base in Buthidaung; and the Mrauk-U District and Myaung Bwe police stations. It has also seized control of more than 140 positions abandoned by junta soldiers.