Junta bolsters defence in Gwa Twsp

By Admin 19 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
19 June 2024, Gwa

Myanmar’s military regime is preparing a defence in Gwa Township against attacks from the Arakkha Army (AA) after the ethnic armed group launched offensives against junta positions in Kyaukphyu, Taungup and Thandwe townships in southern Arakan State.

There have been no clashes between the military and AA in Gwa and Manaung townships to date. Gwa is home to the military’s Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 562 and 563 under the military’s No. 5 Military Operations Command.

The regime sent reinforcements to Gwa-based military regiments and planted landmines around the town following the Thandwe clashes, locals said.

“The military’s LIB 563 has around 100 soldiers and the number of junta soldiers at the regiment is over 400. The military boosted a defence in Taungup to prevent the AA onslaught. Soldiers are digging trenches around the battalion, and locals are not allowed to visit,” said a source in Gwa.

The regime has tightened security checks on locals at checkpoints, detained some locals and conducted overnight guest checks, locals added.

The regime also tightened security checks on local people in some villages bordering Gwa Township and Ayeyarwady Region.

“Military tensions are running high. Locals are worried about their safety as junta soldiers are patrolling in downtown Gwa,” said another resident.

Around 50 militiamen from Thitkauk, Pauktu and Chaungthargyi villages trained by the military have been sent to LIB 563 since early June.

The AA has thus far seized nine townships in Arakan State along with Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State, and scores of military camps in other Arakan State townships.

The AA is currently attacking junta positions in Maungdaw, Ann, Thandwe, Taungup and Kyaukphyu townships.