Several junta soldiers killed in clash with Arakan Army in Ann Twsp

By Admin 29 Mar 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 March 2024, Ann

At least 15 regime soldiers were killed and 15 others were injured in a clash with the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State’s Ann Township, where the military’s Western Command headquarters is based, the ethnic armed group said in a statement.

The AA clashed with a combined force of the military’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 346 and other regiments about 1,400 metres west of Lone Village in Ann Township on March 26, with the fighting lasting for about 30 minutes.

The military responded to the AA’s attack with drones and artillery support, but around three dozen junta soldiers were killed or injured in the clash. The AA seized some weapons and two AA fighters sustained minor injuries, the statement said.

The AA took control of a military supply base about one mile from the military’s LIB No. 372 near Gallaung Village in Ann Township on March 27.

“Fighting occurs in Ann Township on a daily basis. The military dropped bombs on the hills near Lone Village using jet fighters and drones. No clashes were reported in downtown Ann. The junta soldiers reportedly moved to Western Command headquarters after the clash between AA and the military’s LIB 372,” said a local resident in Ann.

Fierce fighting followed the AA’s launch of assaults on multiple junta bases and military camps in Ann Township on March 24.

Ann Township is home to the military’s LIB Nos. 371, 372, and 373, engineering battalions, medical corps and supply, and transport battalions.

“I think the battle for control of Ann will intensify. Fighting will escalate in southern Arakan State because the AA had said it will seize the entire Arakan State. It will be interesting to see how the AA will play Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, and Kyaukphyu, which has foreign investments,” said an Arakanese politician.

The AA, which has so far seized nine towns in Arakan State during the latest fighting, has been stepping up assaults on junta bases and military camps in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, and has opened a new military front in Ann Township.