AA says it has seized all junta camps in Gwa

By Admin 29 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 December 2024, Gwa

The Arakkha Army (AA) seized control of all military camps in Gwa, the southernmost town of Arakan State, on December 29, said U Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the ethnic armed group.

“The AA has taken control of all junta camps in Gwa. Fleeing junta soldiers are being hunted down by the AA fighters,” he said.

The AA seized control of the military’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 563 in Gwa’s Myoma Ward on December 20, and captured the military’s LIB No. 562 on Sunday.

U Khaing Thuukha added that fighting is still intense in some areas as the regime is currently reinforcing its forces in Gwa Township and is trying to re-enter the vicinity of the town.

“The regime continues to carry out airstrikes and the Myanmar Navy near Kantharyar Beach in Ayeyarwady Region provides artillery support,” he said.

The AA has captured 14 townships in Arakan State as well as Paletwa in neighbouring Chin State since the latest fighting began in November 2023.

The AA is expected to continue its offensive in an effort to claim complete control of Gwa Township by the end of the year. 

The AA has reported that the regime, which has suffered a string of consequential military defeats in Arakan State over recent months, has resorted to burning down homes and other civilian structures, as well as destroying bridges, in Gwa Township.

If Gwa falls into its hands, the AA will only have three other townships in Arakan State to occupy — Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung — the ethnic armed group has said.