AA looks to take control of Paletwa

By Admin 08 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 January 2024, Paletwa, Chin State

It has been nearly two months since the Arakan Army (AA) opened a new military front in Arakan State on November 13, following the launch of ‘Operation 1027’ on October 27.

The AA seized nearly 150 Border Guard Force (BGF) outposts and police stations abandoned by junta troops, as well as two tactical command bases, within the first 45 days of the latest hostilities in Arakan State. Following those early successes, the Arakanese ethnic armed group is now turning its sights on junta tactical command bases and military outposts in Paletwa, the Three Brotherhood Alliance said in a statement on January 7.

The military responded to the AA’s offensive with artillery strikes and aerial support in an effort to prevent Paletwa town from being seized, the Three Brotherhood Alliance said. The regime also conducted airstrikes on some positions near Meewa Village, where a junta tactical command base is located.

The AA has launched assaults on military outposts belonging to Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 233, 374, 376, 308, 211, 217, 289 and 220 in Paletwa town since January 1.

The conflict has forced thousands of residents in Paletwa to flee and the regime’s administrative offices have reportedly been shuttered for security reasons.

So far at least five people were killed and 18 others have been injured in Paletwa Township during the latest hostilities, according to a DMG tally.

The AA has seized a total of 21 military camps in Paletwa Township, including two tactical command outposts, since November 13.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance was able to capture junta bases as well as some major cities during the first week of 2024. On January 5, the Three Brotherhood Alliance announced that “the Laukkai area has become a military regime-free zone” as all military camps in Laukkai surrendered to the anti-junta forces.

All junta soldiers from the military’s Tinma tactical command base in Kyauktaw Township surrendered to the AA on January 6, the Three Brotherhood Alliance’s statement said.