Battle for control of Thandwe continues to intensify

By Admin 04 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 July 2024, Thandwe

Fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) continues to escalate near Ngapali Town in Thandwe Township, Arakan State, according to local people.

The AA has attacked the military's Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 55 and 566 since June 20, with the regime responding to the AA offensive with aerial and naval support.

"Fighting is reported in Thandwe daily. The military has defended against the AA offensive attack at its Light Infantry Battalion No. 55. The military is reportedly attempting to retreat from LIB No. 55 to the Maung Shwe Lay naval base," said a military source.

In addition to the military's LIB Nos. 55 and 566, the Maung Shwe Lay naval base is also located in Thandwe Township. The Maung Shwe Lay naval base will be the regime's only major military foothold in Thandwe Township if the AA seizes LIB Nos. 566 and 55.

Fighting erupted near Ngapali Town on June 2. Almost all residents of Ngapali fled to safer locations due to fierce fighting since June 23, after the AA seized nearby Thandwe Airport.

Civilian casualties have been on the rise in Thandwe Township due to regime artillery attacks and airstrikes on residential areas during the fighting, locals said.

"We want to remind people not to stay in war zones. The regime attacks civilian and military targets without distinction. Nothing is more important than life, so it is important for local residents to evacuate in advance," said a social activist in Thandwe Township.

A junta airstrike on Myonepyin Village, Thandwe Township, reportedly injured four local women and a 14-year-old girl on July 2. Civilian casualties have surpassed 120 due to the regime's airstrikes and artillery attacks in Thandwe Township.