AA besieges crucial junta positions in Arakan State

By Admin 08 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 July 2024, Sittwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) on Sunday said it had besieged the junta’s Western Command in Ann Township, the 5th Military Operations Command in Taungup, the Regional Operations Command in Sittwe and the Danyawaddy naval base in Kyaukphyu Township.

In a statement, the AA said it had seized partial control of some battalions’ headquarters in southern Arakan State. The Arakanese ethnic armed group has already seized almost the entirety of northern Arakan State.

Fighting has been raging in Ann Township, where the Myanmar military’s Western Command is based as well as in Thandwe and Maungdaw townships, where the regime has ceded significant territory. Military tensions are also running high in Kyaukphyu and Taungup townships.

One military analyst said: “Maungdaw has almost fallen into the hands of the regime. The AA is also gaining the upper hand in Thandwe. If the AA can seize Thandwe, it can easily advance on Taungup, Gwa and Manaung. And the fighting will be fierce in Kyaukphyu, Ann and Sittwe.”

Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has yet to attack only Gwa and Manaung townships, where the regime appears to be preparing to make a stand. The townships that remain under the control of the regime are, however, surrounded by AA forces.

Another military analyst monitoring the fighting in Arakan State said: “I reckon the AA is trying to reduce potential damage. So, it has cut off those towns instead of launching attacks. The regime can only use air transport to supply Sittwe. The AA has also blockaded Taungup. The regime can only rely on air transport for the fighting in Arakan State.”

Many houses and other civilian infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed by junta airstrikes, shellings and arson attacks during the latest fighting.