AA seizes Buthidaung-based No. 15 Military Operations Command, two junta battalions

By Admin 04 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 May 2024, Buthidaung

The Arakkha Army (AA) seized the Buthidaung-based No. 15 Military Operations Command and the military’s Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 551 and 565 on May 3, according to a ground source.

The AA launched an attack on the No. 15 Military Operations Command about one month ago, and seized it on Friday. The AA also captured some junta soldiers while many regime soldiers managed to flee the No. 15 Military Operations Command.

“The AA took control of the No. 15 Military Operations Command yesterday. Some junta soldiers fled and some surrendered to the AA. Muslim recruits joined the military to fight against the AA. The regime jet fighters dropped several bombs after the AA seized the No. 15 Military Operations Command,” said a local source.

The AA seized the military’s LIB Nos. 552 and 564 in Buthidaung Township in March and the No. 15 Military Operations Command, LIB Nos. 551 and 565 in April.

Buthidaung Township is home to 15th regional operations command, and eight light infantry battalions — 345, 352, 353, 535, 551, 552, 564, and 565 — as well as three infantry battalions — 233, 234 and 263 — and artillery battalion 378.

“I think the AA will easily take control of the remaining military regiments following its seizure of the No. 15 Military Operations Command. The remaining military regiments in Buthidaung are besieged and attacked by the AA. I believe the AA will seize Buthidaung town in a short period of time,” said a local man in Buthidaung.

In his message marking the 15th anniversary of the founding of the AA on April 10, AA chief Twan Mrat Naing urged residents in Arakan State to brace for a decisive battle in the state.

The AA is using artillery and drones to attack junta battalions there, and the regime is using artillery and warplanes to defend against the AA onslaught.

The AA has imposed a 7 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, effective as of April 26.

The regime and the AA have also been fighting fiercely in Ann and Thandwe townships. Since launching its offensive in November, the AA has seized Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon and Ramree townships in Arakan State, and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.