Casualties reported as AA attacks junta troops in Mrauk-U

By Admin 06 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
6 December 2023, Mrauk-U

The Arakan Army (AA) ambushed junta troops near Ngwetaungpauk Bridge in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, on Wednesday afternoon, according to local residents.

A 40-strong military contingent was heading to Ngwetaungpauk police station from downtown Mrauk-U when it was attacked.

“The AA attacked about 40 junta soldiers heading to Ngwetaungpauk police station with landmines. Casualties were reported in the AA’s landmine attack,” said a resident of Mrauk-U.

At least 10 junta soldiers were killed or wounded in the landmine attack and the exact number of casualties remains unknown, according to locals.

Locals sought safe places to shelter as junta soldiers opened fire near the bridge following the AA’s landmine attack.

Residents say junta soldiers have taken up positions in almost every part of Mrauk-U, with noticeably fewer pedestrians on the streets as a result.

Locals are worried about their safety as regime forces have opened fire indiscriminately and detained some pedestrians in recent days.

“The regime soldiers open fire in downtown Mrauk-U indiscriminately on a daily basis. Locals dare not go outside as the regime arrests some residents on suspicion,” said a local woman.

A woman from Mrauk-U’s Kyaukritkay Ward was injured as junta soldiers opened fire indiscriminately one day after officers from the General Administration Department (GAD) in Mrauk-U were reportedly detained by the Arakan Army on December 3.

The regime also arrested a sawmill owner from Mrauk-U’s Bandoola Ward and a local from Pauktawpyin Village on December 4 and 5.

There has been no fighting between the military and the Arakan Army in Mrauk-U Township, but both sides are making preparations militarily.