Junta blockades Paletwa

By Admin 13 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
13 December 2023, Paletwa

Myanmar’s military regime has blockaded Paletwa town in southern Chin State as of Monday, after losing control of two tactical command bases in the town.

Locals have expressed concerns as the regime has tightened security after the Arakan Army (AA) occupied junta tactical command outposts in Taron Eain and Nonebu villages.

One Paletwa resident said: “The regime has blockaded the town since it lost the Nonebu base. People inside the town are not allowed to leave. And people also can’t enter Paletwa. People are concerned that fighting might break out in the town.”

The AA seized the Taron Eain and Nonebu bases by the Kaladan River in the north of Paletwa on December 4 and 10, respectively. Following the AA’s seizure of two key bases, junta troops abandoned some of their outposts including the one near Abaungthar Village.

“After Nonebu base fell, junta troops deployed near Abaungthar village withdrew on December 1 evening. They have been deployed at Battalion 289 and Zeditaung. Soldiers are going around the town at night, and local residents are concerned that they might be arrested,” said another resident.

Light Infantry Battalion No. 289 is located near Paletwa town, and two junta units are also deployed in Zeditaung in the west of the town. Junta troops are also deployed in at least six other locations around the town.

The AA and junta troops have been fighting near the village of Shinletwa in Paletwa Township. Local residents reported seeing junta aircraft daily as the regime provides air support for its ground troops.

It has been about one month since the regime blockaded roads and waterways in Paletwa Township, where locals are facing food shortages and price hikes.