Anti-regime groups on Arakan-Magwe border optimistic about Ann battle

By Admin 13 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 December 2024, Mrauk-U

If the Arakkha Army (AA) fully captures Ann Township, where the Myanmar military's Western Command headquarters is based, it could significantly strengthen the Spring Revolution forces operating in the region, anti-regime groups said.

Anti-regime groups such as the Student Armed Force (SAF), Asho Chin Defense Force (ACDF), and People's Revolutionary Alliance (PRA-Magwe) are active in the Arakan Mountains on the Arakan-Magwe border.

"If the western front opens up to a certain extent, it will allow delivery of weapons and ammunition, other military supplies and provisions to the anti-regime groups," said Ko Min Han Htet, a SAF central committee member.

Anti-regime groups have been intercepting junta convoys heading to Ann Township, resulting in frequent clashes in the Arakan Mountains.

The AA has defeated all major junta positions in Ann except the Western Command headquarters, an AA source told DMG on Wednesday.

"We are very close to capturing the Western Command. Troops have already made their way into the headquarters. It won't be long before we take it," said the AA military source.

Fierce battles continue in Ann, Taungup, and Gwa townships along the western Arakan Mountains. As Ann Township borders Magway Region, anti-regime groups have plans to advance on Magwe if Ann falls.

"We have not yet been able to build strongholds in the Arakan Mountains and launch large-scale offensives. But we are making preparations to open a new front in Magway," said Ko Min Han Htet.

"There aren't many strategic positions or offensive opportunities in the Yoma [Arakan Mountains] corridor yet. However, we, the revolutionary forces, are preparing to push through to the Magway front from there," he added.

Since the fighting began to intensify in Ann, the regime has reinforced its Nat Yaykan base, which is located just over a mile from the Arakan-Magwe border post, according to anti-regime groups.