Regime prepares defence in Thandwe, say locals

By Admin 12 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
12 July 2024, Thandwe

The Myanmar military has prepared a defence in downtown Thandwe after two junta battalions in Ngapali were overtaken by the Arakkha Army (AA), according to local people.

Junta soldiers took positions at Thandwe Prison and atop buildings in Thandwe to deter the AA from attacking the district-level town, a local resident said.

“Junta soldiers stationed at Thandwe Prison and regime soldiers retreating from two battalions in Ngapali have prepared a defence in downtown Thandwe. Junta soldiers took positions on top of tall buildings,” the resident added.

The AA seized the military’s Ngapali-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 566 on June 27, Thandwe Airport on July 5, and Light Infantry Battalion No. 55 on July 9.

The AA issued a statement on July 11 saying junta soldiers remain in and around Thandwe and that the ethnic armed group will continue its offensive to capture the entire town.

A military source said the regime was preparing a defence in Thandwe as it would not easily cede the town and surrounding area, which has historically been a major source of tourism income.

“The regime is afraid of losing the hotel business and income in Thandwe Township, so it might fight to the death to prevent the town from falling. So the battle for control of Thandwe may still be difficult for the AA,” the military source added.

The AA released a statement on July 7 describing the battle for control of Thandwe as reaching its “highest” point to date, and characterising the contest as among the most difficult fights it has faced in its months-long bid for control of Arakan State.

In addition to Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 55 and 566, the military’s Maung Shwe Lay naval base is also located in Thandwe Township.

Ten regiments under the military’s No. 101 Light Infantry Division based in Pakokku, Magway Region, some battalions from Mandalay, Sagaing and Ayeyarwady regions, local militiamen and Myanmar Navy Seals are defending against the AA attacks in Thandwe.

A woman was killed and three others were injured in a junta artillery strike on Thandwe Township’s Kyaukseik Village on Wednesday.

Fighting has been raging in Thandwe Township for nearly three months, since the AA launched an assault on junta positions in the township on April 13. Civilian casualties have surpassed 130 due to the regime’s airstrikes and artillery attacks in Thandwe Township.