Fighting escalates in Maungdaw District

By Admin 29 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 April 2024, Maungdaw

Fighting has escalated between the regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) in Maungdaw District, Arakan State, on the border with Bangladesh, according to residents.

The AA is using artillery and drones to attack junta battalions there, and the regime is using artillery and warplanes to defend against the AA onslaught.

Fighting has been raging in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships since early February. The AA has been attacking key junta positions including battalion headquarters and border guard police headquarters, said a Maungdaw resident.

“The AA has been attacking fiercely. It is conducting drone attacks in Maungdaw, and has also besieged junta positions. The regime has to call for air support every day,” he said.

The AA has been attacking the junta’s No. 1 border guard police headquarters in Kyee Kan Pyin since April 27, using artillery and drones. It is also attacking the Hla Poe Kaung base, as well as nearby outposts.

It has also stepped up its attacks on the 15th regional operations command headquarters and remaining military units in Buthidaung Township, forcing the regime to call for daily air support.

“The AA has been attacking the 15th regional operations command, Light Infantry Battalion 565 and other outposts, using drones and artillery. The regime is suffering heavy defeats. So, the regime is conducting air raids every day. Junta troops are hiding inside a cave on the Buthidaung-Maungdaw road,” said a Buthidaung resident.

Buthidaung Township is home to 15th regional operations command, and eight light infantry battalions — 345, 352, 353, 535, 551, 552, 564, and 565 — as well as three infantry battalions— 233, 234 and 263 — and artillery battalion 378. The AA has seized battalions 552 and 564.

Observers note that the AA views control of Maungdaw District as strategic for its access to the border trade with Bangladesh.

“The regime thinks that Arakanese people would be starved if access to other parts of the country is cut off. The trade between Arakan State and Bamar-majority areas has halted for a long time. The AA is focusing on Maungdaw to guarantee food security for the Arakanese people and import consumer goods,” said a political analyst.

The AA has imposed a 7 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, effective as of April 26.

The regime and the AA have also been fighting fiercely in Ann and Thandwe townships. Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has seized Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon and Ramree townships in Arakan State, and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.