Junta prepares defence in Taungup, say locals

By Admin 18 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
18 July 2024, Taungup

Myanmar's military regime has prepared a defence at several downtown locations in Taungup, Arakan State, where the military's No. 5 Military Operations Command is located, according to local people.

The regime has beefed up security and junta soldiers have taken up positions at banks and atop buildings in downtown Taungup after the Arakkha Army (AA) took effective control of neighbouring Thandwe earlier this week, locals said.

"The regime seems to be preparing a defence to defend against the AA offensive. Junta soldiers have reportedly taken positions atop buildings in downtown Taungup," said a local man in Taungup.

The Myanmar military has deployed soldiers at the township General Administration Department office, police station, Kaingshae Bridge, town hall, immigration office and agriculture office in Taungup. Junta soldiers have also been stationed at Taungup University, monasteries and entries and exits of Taungup.

The junta's No. 5 Military Operations Command, and Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 544 and 346 are based in Taungup Township.

In a statement on July 7, the AA said it had surrounded the military's No. 5 Military Operations Command in Taungup, Regional Operations Command in Sittwe, Western Command in Ann, and Danyawadi Naval Base in Kyaukphyu.

Many Taungup residents want to flee for fear of possible looming hostilities, but junta security checkpoints are preventing them from leaving the town.

"Security checkpoints at the entries and exits of Taungup are open for a few hours. Locals are allowed to enter Taungup but they are barred from leaving the town with their belongings," said a resident of Taungup.

According to the 2014 census, Taungup Township had a total population of 114,437, 25 percent of whom were urban residents. About half of that population reportedly remains in Taungup.

"Taungup is a very central city economically. The regime will not give up Taungup to the AA easily," suggested a local politician.

The military clashed with the AA in Taungup Township in June. Military tensions between the military and AA are running high in Taungup Township, though there is currently no fighting in the area.