Military-AA clashes escalating in Ann Twsp: sources

By Admin 20 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 May 2024, Ann

Fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) is reportedly intensifying in the Kazukaing area of Ann Township after the ethnic armed group seized Buthidaung Town on May 18.

The AA stepped up an offensive on the military’s Tawhein tactical command base near Kazukaing Village on May 19.

“Fighting was intense yesterday,” a reliable source told DMG on Monday. “The junta increased its military presence at the Tawhein tactical command base. The junta provided artillery support during the fighting.”

Under the No. 5 Military Operations Command, the Tawhein tactical command base is located near the Yangon-Sittwe road, about 20 miles west of Ann Town.

Since March 24, the AA has been escalating assaults on the military’s Tawhein base, as well as the Swaechaung tactical command base, Point 299 and other military camps in Ann Township.

“Fighting resumed on May 19 after about a two-week pause. We heard gunfire today. Junta soldiers are secretly deployed at military outposts along the road to Kazukaing Village from Ann. The junta sends reinforcements from these military outposts during the clashes with the AA,” said a local resident in Ann.

The AA has also seized the Sui Chaung hilltop tactical command base in Ann Township.

The Myanmar military has responded to the AA’s offensive manoeuvres with heavy weapons including airstrikes, and has sent reinforcements to prevent the AA from seizing the military garrison town of Ann, according to reliable sources.

Thousands of local people from dozens of villages including Kazukaing have been forced to flee the fighting.

Since renewed fighting in Arakan State began in November, the AA has seized effective control of nine townships in Arakan State as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

Fierce clashes between the military and AA are currently reported in Ann, Maungdaw and Thandwe townships.