Artillery misfire sparks blaze at junta outpost in Thandwe
An artillery shell explosion caused a fire at a junta outpost on Badaung Hill near Thandwe Town, Arakan State, at around 1 p.m. on Monday, according to residents.
06 May 2024
DMG Newsroom
6 May 2024, Thandwe
An artillery shell explosion caused a fire at a junta outpost on Badaung Hill near Thandwe Town, Arakan State, at around 1 p.m. on Monday, according to residents.
The hilltop outpost near the entry checkpoint east of Thandwe Town fired four shells, and the last shell exploded inside the outpost, said one resident.
“They fired four shells. I don’t know what happened to the last shell. It exploded there and caused a fire. Junta soldiers ran down shouting,” she said.
Some junta soldiers were reportedly injured in the fire. DMG could not independently verify those reports.
There was no fighting in Thandwe Township on Monday, but junta positions near the Thandwe Town entry checkpoint fired shells toward the mountains near Shwe Hlay Village, residents.
“We didn’t hear an exchange of fire today. But we heard artillery strikes. Residents are concerned,” said a woman from Shwe Hlay Village.
Fighting broke out between junta troops and the Arakkha Army (AA) in the mountains near Shwe Hlay Village on May 4. Fighting has been raging in Thandwe Township since April 13, and the conflict zone continues to expand.
The fighting has forced residents from more than 10 villages to flee their homes in Thandwe Township.