Last-standing junta naval base in Thandwe falls to AA: local sources

By Admin 04 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 September 2024, Thandwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) has reportedly seized control of Thandwe Township after more than four months of hostilities with Myanmar’s military regime, according to residents and other sources.

The AA overtook the Maung Shwe Lay naval base, the last junta battalion in Thandwe, on August 30, despite a fierce junta defence that included air attacks and naval bombardment.

A source told DMG: “The AA has completely seized the Maung Shwe Lay naval base. The regime still carries out air attacks and shellings from naval boats from time to time. Thandwe is now under the complete control of the AA.”

The AA has not yet made any press release about the latest situation in Thandwe Township. DMG was unable to reach AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha for comment.

The AA launched an onslaught on Maung Shwe Lay naval base on July 20.

One Thandwe resident confirmed that the Maung Shwe Lay naval base had fallen. “We haven’t heard gunshots from there lately.  I heard the AA has captured some junta soldiers alive.”

The fall of Thandwe Township, home to Ngapali Beach, one of Myanmar’s major tourist destinations, would deal major military and economic blows to the regime, observers have noted.

Thandwe Township also hosts a China-backed wind power project and a Russia-backed luxury housing project.

“Thandwe is home to Ngapali Beach and the Tha Htay hydropower project. It is one of the major sources of income for the regime. So, it is a big loss for the regime and its cronies,” said one local politician.

The AA launched an initial offensive on junta positions in Thandwe Township on April 13.

If confirmed, Thandwe Township would become the 11th township seized by the AA since launching its offensive in November of last year, and the second township to be seized by the AA in southern Arakan State.

The AA has seized 10 of 17 townships in Arakan State — Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Myebon townships in northern Arakan State, Ramree and Thandwe townships in southern Arakan State — plus Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.