Junta sends reinforcements to Maungdaw

By Admin 07 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
7 April 2024, Maungdaw

Myanmar’s military regime has sent reinforcements to Maungdaw, Arakan State, in recent days and tightened security in the area, according to local residents.

The regime also relocated the families of junta personnel in Maungdaw, said a local man in Maungdaw.

“The regime moved families of the military personnel in Maungdaw to another location. The regime also sent reinforcements to Maungdaw from Sittwe through the Kanyinchaung route,” the Maungdaw resident added.

Fierce clashes were reported in Maungdaw as the Arakan Army (AA) has ramped up offensive attacks on junta bases, military camps and border guard force outposts in the area.

While many Maungdaw town residents have fled out of concern for their safety, some remain in the town for various reasons.

As the AA is seizing military camps and towns controlled by the junta one by one, local politicians told DMG that the regime was increasing its military presence and strengthening its defences in order to prevent Maungdaw Township, a strategic trade point, from falling to the AA.

“The AA is going on the offensive to capture the entire Maungdaw District, so the regime will be on the defensive and prepare to fight back. I see that the regime is trying desperately not to let the towns fall into the hands of the AA,” said one such politician.

Since the latest hostilities kicked off in November, the AA has seized large swaths of Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Pauktaw, Myebon and Ramree townships, as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State, and fighting is currently intensifying in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Ann townships.

The AA has also, since February 9, been attacking the Kyein Chaung border guard police outpost in the north of Maungdaw Township. The regime has brought in air and artillery support to defend the outpost.

The AA seized the Tamanthar police station in Maungdaw on March 25. Approximately 100 junta soldiers who were deployed at the police station surrendered to the ethnic armed group.

The AA seized the military’s Buthidaung-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 564 on the morning of April 5.