At least 40 junta soldiers killed in Thandwe fighting, locals say

By Admin 30 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 May 2024, Thandwe

Fighting has been raging in southern Arakan State’s Thandwe Township for more than one month, since the Arakkha Army (AA) unleashed an onslaught on junta positions there on April 13. Residents say they have found at least 40 bodies of junta soldiers killed in the clashes.

Three corpses buried within the compound of a house in Kyaungkone Village were discovered on Wednesday.

“The bodies were found after the heavy rain. There were fierce clashes in early May near Kyaungkone Village. So, it is likely that they were junta soldiers killed in clashes,” said a resident who asked for anonymity.

The corpses were found in Myanmar military uniforms and boots, said residents.

A video file reportedly showing around 30 dead junta soldiers near Shwe Hlay Bridge on the Thandwe-Taungup road went viral on social media on May 21. Residents confirmed that they were killed in fighting. The AA has seized the Shwe Hlay Bridge checkpoint, previously manned by junta soldiers.

Residents said they have found at least six bodies of junta soldiers near the Tha Htay Chaung hydropower dam project.

“We found bodies drifting in the creek. There were also bodies by the roadside. It appears that they had no time to bury them due to the fierce fighting,” said a resident near the project site.

At least eight locations in northern Thandwe Township have seen fierce fighting. The two sides have not been fighting recently due to heavy rains, but the regime fired artillery shells on Wednesday, said a Thandwe resident.

“The AA is gaining ground. Its attacks did not harm civilians. But the regime has opened fire on civilian populations. So, residents rely on the AA. As the regime has reinforced its troops, it is likely that the fighting will intensify,” he said.

The regime has brought in reinforcements from Ayeyarwady Region to Thandwe Township, according to residents.

More than 40,000 Thandwe residents have been displaced since the fighting began last month. The regime has also blockaded roads and waterways, effectively cutting off the flow of goods into Thandwe.