AA attempts to seize Buthidaung-based No. 15 Military Operations Command

By Admin 27 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
27 April 2024, Buthidaung

Fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) is escalating as the AA has ramped up offensive attacks on the military in an effort to completely seize the Buthidaung-based No. 15 Military Operations Command, the ethnic armed group said in a statement.

The AA clashed fiercely with the military near the latter’s Buthidaung-based Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 565 and clashes were also reported in other locations, said local residents in Buthidaung.

“The AA attacked LIB 565 with drones and the No. 15 Military Operations Command fired mortar shells into the AA positions. The military not only fired mortar shells but also dropped bombs on the AA positions,” said a Buthidaung resident.

LIB Nos. 345, 352, 353, 535, 551, 552, 564, 565, 233, 234 and 263, and artillery regiment 378 are among the military regiments under the Buthidaung-based 15th Military Operations Command.

Of the military regiments, LIBs 552 and 564 were completely seized by the AA. Fierce clashes have been reported as the AA attempts to seize the remaining junta battalions and military camps.

“I think the AA is taking time to attack the Myanmar military regiments in Buthidaung. … There are many battalions in Buthidaung, so the battle to capture it may take a long time,” said one Arakan State politician.

With the battle for control of Arakan State intensifying, the military regime has been accused of stoking ethnic and religious tensions. The AA imposed a nighttime curfew in Buthidaung and Maungdaw on April 26, banning the public from going outside from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Fighting has been raging in Arakan State for more than five months, with the AA seizing large swaths of Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Pauktaw, Myebon and Ramree townships, as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.