AA reportedly seizes control of Thandwe 

By Admin 17 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
17 July 2024, Thandwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) took control of Thandwe on July 16, blocking off land and water routes to the town in southern Arakan State and hunting down fleeing junta soldiers, according to military sources.

“The AA has reportedly seized Thandwe and blocked off the entries and exits of the town,” said one military source.

Junta soldiers in Thandwe fled to the Maung Shwe Lay naval base and about 400 local people trapped by fighting are reportedly being evacuated by the AA.

“Those trapped by fighting in downtown Thandwe are being evacuated by the AA. People are being evacuated to safety due to the junta’s airstrikes and artillery attacks,” said a Thandwe resident.

The AA had not issued any statement regarding the matter as of press time. DMG continues to seek comment from U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the AA.

Fighting between fleeing junta soldiers and the AA is ongoing in Thandwe Township, with the regime launching airstrikes and mortar attacks on beachside Ngapali Town.

The AA has overtaken the military’s Ngapali-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 566, Thandwe Airport and Light Infantry Battalion No. 55, and continues to attempt to take control of the Maung Shwe Lay naval base.

Arakanese politician U Pe Than told DMG that if the AA can capture Thandwe, there will be many economic and political benefits for the ethnic armed group — and many casualties for the regime and its allies.

“Hotels there are owned by cronies and relatives of Myanmar military leaders. It is the paradise of cronies. Ngapali is a must-visit destination for foreign travellers. Ngapali has luxury hotels. It is a profitable business [environment]. If the ULA/AA [United League of Arakan/Arakkha Army] can control Ngapali, it will gain political prestige and the regime will lose a lot of prestige,” he said.

It has been more than eight months since fighting between the military and AA resumed in Arakan State on November 13. The AA, which has seized control of most of Arakan State’s 17 townships, is currently ramping up an offensive to capture the townships of southern Arakan State that remain under junta control.