Junta readies defensive stand at Western Command in Ann

By Admin 30 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 November 2024, Ann

Junta troops are preparing to make a defensive stand at the Western Command headquarters in Ann Township, Arakan State, following significant losses to the Arakkha Army (AA) over recent months, according to sources.

The AA had captured eight of 18 junta battalions and units in Ann Township prior to November 13. It has since reportedly seized three more battalions and units, though the AA has not yet confirmed the reports.

The regime has airlifted reinforcements and supplies to the Western Command, fortifying it in anticipation of an AA assault.

"Similar to the situation in Maungdaw, junta troops have been forced to retreat to the Western Command headquarters to defend against the [AA] offensive," said a source close to the regime.

Ann Township is militarily crucial for the regime, linking Arakan State with Chin State, and also providing the only major inland route connecting Arakan State to Myanmar's central plains.

Observers predict more intense clashes in Ann as the fall of the town would deal a devastating strategic blow to the regime.

Ko Moe Htet Nay, an analyst with Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica, remarked: "The AA's seizure of the Western Command headquarters would effectively cut off supply routes. The administrative capital Sittwe and Dyanawaddy naval base may fall automatically in that case."

Junta efforts to send reinforcements to Ann from Magwe Region have been effectively disrupted due to ambushes by AA allies.

On November 25, the Chin Defense Force (CDF-Asho) operating along the Ann-Padan road ambushed junta troops providing security for a convoy of junta reinforcements heading to Ann.

The Students' Armed Force (SAF) captured 14 junta soldiers on the Ann-Padan road who were fleeing the battle for Ann on November 23.

Military defector former captain Zin Yaw said: "The regime still controls the road between Padan and the Pyae Wa checkpoint. But there have been ambushes between Pyae Wa and Nat Yay Kan. The regime can't send reinforcements or food supplies to Ann."

More than 1,000 residents are still trapped in Ann Town, and are short of food. The AA has seized 11 major towns in Arakan State, including most recently Taungup.