Military airlifting reinforcements to strategic Ann Twsp

By Admin 10 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
10 July 2024, Ann

Myanmar’s military has been airlifting reinforcements to Ann Town in Arakan State this week, according to sources. The military’s Western Command is based in Ann.

The regime has used cargo aircraft to transport junta reinforcements via Ann Airport, said a source, as fighting intensifies in the township. 

“There might be hundreds of soldiers on each flight. The regime airlifted reinforcements because it can’t use roads,” he said.

The Arakkha Army (AA) has laid siege to the Western Command headquarters, it said on Sunday. The AA has been attacking junta outposts guarding Ann since early July. 

One Ann resident said: “The regime will do whatever it takes to defend Ann as it will lose face if it loses control of the Western Command.” 

The AA seized the Taw Hein Taung tactical command, one of the major junta bases in Ann Township, on June 23. 

Though no fighting has been reported in Ann Township this week, the regime continues to conduct artillery strikes on residential areas, according to residents. 

“There have been no clashes lately. But the regime fires artillery every day. We have concerns for our safety,” said one Ann resident.

The regime has barred residents from leaving Ann Town. The Western Command, Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 371, 372, 372, a general engineering corps, a battlefield engineering corps, a medical corps and weapon units are based in Ann Township. 

Fighting has been raging in Arakan State since November, and the AA has seized Pauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and Ramree townships as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.