AA steps up attacks on junta positions in Ann Twsp

By Admin 29 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 October 2024, Ann

The Arakkha Army (AA) has escalated its onslaught of junta bases in Ann Township, which hosts the Myanmar military's Western Command, with the regime defending the town using air and artillery support.

One source said: "I heard fighting intensified at Light Infantry Battalions 371 and 372 today. Junta aircraft came and strafed. Fighting takes place every day."

The AA has been attacking the two battalions and an ordnance depot in the township.

One civilian was injured when junta forces fired shells near the airport to drive away potential attackers on Tuesday. The regime is reportedly attempting to airlift reinforcements and food supplies to Ann.

"We can't dig bomb shelters, and we can't leave the town. Even some places in the town have been hit by artillery strikes. We can't sleep at night. The two sides fight day and night," said a woman from Ann Town.

AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha told RFA that the regime was using town residents as human shields and defending against the ethnic armed group's attacks with heavy artillery bombardment.

Ann Township is home to the military's strategically important Western Command, Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 371, 372 and 373, a general engineering battalion, a battlefield engineering battalion and a medical corps.

Following AA attacks, multiple junta units including Light Infantry Battalion No. 373 and the medical corps have retreated to other bases.