Fighting between military, AA continues in Paletwa

By Admin 22 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
22 November 2023, Paletwa, Chin State

Fighting has continued in Paletwa Township, Chin State, after the Arakan Army (AA) launched attacks on two of the military’s strategic hilltop camps near Taronai Village.

Fighting has been ongoing for one week following the AA’s offensive against the two hilltop positions near Taronai Village began around 6 a.m. on November 14, and junta troops responded with aerial support and shelling.

“The fighting is still intensifying in Paletwa. The AA has been attacking five junta camps in Paletwa Township,” a source close to the ethnic armed group told DMG.

Civilian casualties have been on the rise due to the junta’s airstrikes. Eight residents from Ahtet Meezar Village were wounded in a junta air attack on November 20.

“Eight residents from Ahtet Meezar Village were injured when three junta helicopters fired multiple rounds into the village on November 20. Three injured people are said to be in critical condition,” said a local man.

Four residents from Taronai Village were killed and five others were injured due to junta airstrikes and shelling on November 14. The casualty list is based on ongoing inquiries by DMG, and details are still being sought.

Mobile phone service is down, making it difficult to communicate with residents in Paletwa Township.

Hundreds of local people from Taronai, Meezar, Nonebu and Abaungthar villages in Paletwa Township were displaced by the fighting and have fled to safer locations.

Junta spokesman Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun said on November 20 that large numbers of AA troops repeatedly attacked the Taroneain base and Nonebu tactical command, but withdrew after suffering heavy casualties.

The regime has described the Taroneain base as crucial for India-funded projects in Arakan State, accusing the AA itself of therefore “destroying” the development of Arakan State.

Myanmar’s military regime has isolated Paletwa Township following fierce fighting with the AA there since November 13, according to local residents.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways and also barred people from entering or leaving the town, said locals. The regime blockade includes the Paletwa-Kyauktaw waterway, which serves as the key route for Paletwa’s trade with Kyauktaw.

“Prices of rice and commodities have almost doubled in Paletwa after the Kyauktaw-Paletwa route was blockaded. Residents can’t buy rice easily. We will face greater hardships if the routes are closed for a long time,” said a local man in Paletwa.

Paletwa residents are heavily reliant on Kyauktaw for food and medicines, and residents are concerned about shortages of food and medicines following the blockade.