Heavy fighting continues in Ann with Western Command in AA sights

By Admin 07 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
7 December 2024, Ann

Myanmar’s military regime has been desperately defending its Western Command headquarters after the Arakkha Army (AA) defeated all other junta positions in Arakan State’s Ann Township, according to sources close to the AA.

The AA stated on Friday that it has seized control of more than 30 junta positions including operations commands, battalions and outposts as well as Ann Town, and that it continues its offensive against the Western Command headquarters.

“Junta soldiers do not come out of the Western Command. They have built bunkers to defend systematically from there,” said a source.

The regime has been relying heavily on air and artillery support to defend the Western Command headquarters, he added.

The regime has also been sending reinforcements to Ann by air or road, but several of those reinforcements have been killed as the AA and allies have intercepted them en route.

The AA reported on Friday that it intercepted Light Infantry Battalion No.s 371, 415 and 416 under the 88th Light Infantry Division on their way to Ann, seizing over 100 bodies and various weapons and supplies in three days of attacks.

Ann is strategically and economically important for the AA. Military and political observers say the Western Command headquarters is likely to fall soon as the AA intensifies its offensive.

Political and military observer U Pe Than said the AA has built up momentum in its battle for total control of Arakan State. 

“The AA’s success is significant and powerful, leaving junta soldiers in disarray,” he said. “Many junta troops have surrendered. The units that resist the AA’s attacks have suffered heavier casualties. The AA’s military victories have exceeded our expectations over the past year.”

The AA has captured 12 towns in Arakan State, and junta positions in Maungdaw, Gwa, and Taungup are also under fierce attack by the AA. In Arakan State, the regime only controls four townships now, namely Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Gwa and Manaung.