Junta reinforces positions in Manaung 

By Admin 28 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
28 August 2024, Manaung

Myanmar’s military regime is sending junta soldiers that have retreated from townships seized by the Arakkha Army (AA) in northern Arakan State to Manaung Town, sources told DMG.

The regime has been reinforcing its positions in Manaung Town since the second week of August after the AA launched an offensive on Gwa Township. The regime uses naval vessels to send troops to Manaung via Taungup, according to sources.

“Previously, the regime sent reinforcements from Ayeyarwaddy Region. But after the fighting in Gwa, the regime has gathered junta soldiers that have fled from towns seized by the AA in Manaung. It has also reinforced the Hmyaw Taw Oo naval base,” a source told DMG.

The regime has sent reinforcements either by air or by boat to Manaung since July, fortifying the town.

One political and military analyst said on condition of anonymity that the regime is bolstering its forces in Manaung Town to prevent the whole island from falling into the hands of the AA.

Junta troops have also raided villages in Manaung Township with troops deployed in some villages. Though the junta’s administrative mechanism is functioning normally in Manaung, local residents are concerned about possible fighting.

Another Manaung resident said: “As the fighting is intense in Thandwe, Gwa and Taungup, we are concerned that fighting will also break out in Manaung. If the fighting happens, people will be killed by starvation. There are no charities and no exits. Everyone will be in trouble.”

Of the 17 townships in Arakan State, only Manaung Township has not yet experienced fighting.

Since launching an offensive in November, the AA has seized Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Ramree townships and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

Maungdaw Town is also reportedly on the verge of falling into AA hands, and fighting has been raging in Thandwe and Gwa townships.