Junta, AA forces’ battle for control of Maungdaw continues

By Admin 06 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 July 2024, Maungdaw

It has been nearly three weeks since the Arakkha Army (AA) launched a battle for control of northern Arakan State’s Maungdaw, and fighting between the ethnic armed group and the Myanmar military continues to intensify.

As the AA has already seized all junta bases, military camps and police outposts in rural Maungdaw Township, the ethnic armed group has begun attacking military camps in downtown Maungdaw since June 16.

AA fighters are currently attacking Border Guard Force (BGF) Battalion No. 5 in Maungdaw’s Myothugyi Ward and junta soldiers in downtown Maungdaw, according to a reliable source.

“The military’s BGF Battalion No. 5 in Maungdaw’s Myothugyi Ward is besieged by the AA. Junta soldiers stationed in downtown Maungdaw are being wiped out by the AA fighters,” said a military source.

Some junta soldiers and military-trained Muslim militiamen managed to flee and some surrendered to the AA during the fighting with the ethnic armed group.

The regime, which is being militarily defeated in Arakan State, is responding to the AA’s attacks with aerial and artillery support, according to local residents.

“The regime carries out airstrikes on a daily basis. The Myanmar Navy vessels also fire mortar shells into the residential areas. On the ground, the AA has blocked everything, so the junta soldiers are already trapped. I have to say that the regime is in trouble,” said a Maungdaw resident.

The AA has seized most of the townships in northern Arakan State since renewed fighting began on November 13, and continues to attack military positions in an attempt to take control of townships in southern Arakan State as well.