Hostilities between Tatmadaw and AA in Myebon Township intensify as Tatmadaw launch airstrike

26 Sep 2019

Khaing Roe La | DMG
26 September, Sittwe
 
Clashes between the Tatmadaw and the AA have been occurring continually at a mountain range east of Yoe Sa Nwin village, Myebon Township, and the Tatmadaw launched an airstrike yesterday targeting the AA, local sources said.

“Fighting took place here for three consecutive days. It broke out three miles east of the village.  Two attack helicopters were flying over the village and launched artillery into the hills. Villagers heard the sound of gunfire, that forced them to flee to nearby villages for safety,” said a villager from Yoe Sa Nwin village, who asked not to be named.

Both the Tatmadaw and the AA confirmed the clashes in Myebon Township.

Colonel Win Zaw Oo, head of the Western Command, said that the Tatmadaw would carry out air strikes if need be.

“A clash broke out east of Yoe Sa Nwin village. We would use attack helicopters depending on the situation. We will drop bombs if we have to. The fighting has been taking place for two days,” Colonel Win Zaw Oo said.

The AA’s spokesperson Khaing Thukha said that the Tatmadaw’s air strike was a reinforcement for the troops on the ground because they have faced significant losses and are pinned down on the battle field.

“There’s heavy fighting around Yoe Sa Nwin village. It broke out in the same place where it occurred yesterday. The Burma Army used two attack helicopters at about 12 noon. We have not known the exact figure of casualties,” Khaing Thukha said.

Both sides claimed that they had not known the details of the fighting at the time of reporting.

The AA reported that its troop occupied No.373 Artillery Regiment’s temporary artillery camp under the Western Command after a three-hour assault on 22 September. The camp is located 15 kilometers northeast of Taung Gyi village in Myebon Township.

The Tatmadaw confirmed the attack but denied that the camp was occupied.

The ongoing fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA has been continuing over nine months and it has escalated and spread to Myebon Township.