AA continues advance on Ann and junta's Western Command

By Admin 11 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
11 October 2024, Ann

The Arakkha Army (AA) is gradually advancing on the Myanmar military's Western Command headquarters based in Arakan State's Ann Township, according to sources.

The AA has seized the Taw Hein Taung tactical command and Me Taung tactical command, both considered crucial for the defence of the Western Command, with hostilities now taking place just 3 miles from Ann Town.

Fighting has escalated around Ywar Tharyar, Kyaung Phyu Kwin and Sintoe villages, near Light Infantry Battalion No. 373. The two sides reportedly clashed in the mountains near the Western Command headquarters from about 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday.

"In previous clashes, we didn't hear gunshots from small arms. Last night, we heard small arms. The regime carried out air and artillery strikes the whole night. We could not even sleep," said a source from Ann Town.

A junta warplane thereafter strafed villages near Light Infantry Battalion No. 373 at least twice on Friday morning.

The regime has deployed more troops to battalions and positions at the entrances to Ann Town while conducting artillery strikes in the vicinity, seemingly at random. It has also reportedly planted landmines along routes that it believes AA troops would use to enter Ann, as well as digging trenches around the town.

One Ann resident said: "The fighting is getting closer. The regime is imposing tight checks, especially on men in Ann Town."

The regime has barred residents from leaving the town despite the growing drumbeats of war on their doorsteps.

"Town residents are not allowed to flee. Some have fled, using sick family members as an excuse," said another resident.

The Western Command, Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 371, 372 , 373, a general engineering unit, a battlefield engineering unit, a medical corps and other combat support units are all based in Ann Town.

Since launching its offensive against the regime some 11 months ago, the AA has seized 10 out of 17 townships in Arakan State, as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State. The ethnic armed group is expected to step up its campaign to capture the remaining towns held by the junta in Arakan State as the rainy season comes to an end over the coming weeks.