Fierce fighting continues as AA, military vie for control of Pauktaw

By Admin 01 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
1 December 2023, Pauktaw

Fierce fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) was ongoing in Pauktaw, Arakan State, on Friday.

Junta helicopters and jet fighters fired into residential areas in downtown Pauktaw and Myanmar Navy vessels in the Kaladan River and Kyweku River fired mortar shells into Pauktaw at 11 a.m. on Friday, locals said.

“Junta jet fighters dropped bombs this morning and a junta helicopter unleashed strafing fire on residential areas. Myanmar Navy vessels also fire mortar shells into Pauktaw. Today’s fighting is more intense than yesterday,” said an eyewitness.

Fighting erupted in Pauktaw town on November 16 after the AA attacked and occupied the central police station in Pauktaw.

Regime forces have since pounded the town using warplanes, warships and ground troops, forcing thousands of residents to flee. The AA has been attempting to rescue locals trapped by the fighting.

An elderly woman trapped in Pauktaw was killed by junta artillery attacks and airstrikes on November 25 and many homes caught fire, according to locals.

The AA rescued more than 220 residents trapped in the fighting or being held hostage by the regime on November 21 and 23. The AA also released a video clip showing the rescue of some residents held by the junta troops during Pauktaw fighting on November 28.

Pauktaw town is a centre of maritime transportation, and the military and the AA are vying for control of the strategic town, according to political analysts.