In recent days, the military council has reinforced its troops and tightened security in Maungdaw Township of Arakan State, where the fighting is fierce, according to residents.
ÒThe military council has moved its family members in Maungdaw to another place. I don’t know where they are moved to. The military council is carrying out reinforcements in downtown Maungdaw via Kanyinchaung route. The reinforced troops mainly come from Sittwe,” said a local man from Maungdaw.
Fighting between the two sides is intense as the Arakan Army (AA) has stepped up its offensive against the military council camps and attacked them.
Most of the residents of Maungdaw have fled to safety for fear of fighting in the town, and only a handful of residents remain in the town due to various difficulties.
The AA has been capturing the camps and towns one after another. The military council is deploying its troops in order not to lose Maungdaw Township, a border trade hub, to the AA.
A politician said: “The military council will prepare for defense as the AA has stepped up its offensive to capture the entire Maungdaw district. I think it looks like the military council is desperately trying to prevent more towns from falling into the hands of the AA.”
During more than four months of fighting which started on 13 November 2023, the AA has captured Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, MraukU, Minbya, Pauktaw, Myebon and Ramree Townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State. Fighting is intensifying in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Ann Townships.
The AA has stepped up its offensive to capture Kyein Chaung border guard camp in Maungdaw Township. Fighting has intensified after the military council’s heavy shelling and airstrikes.
On 25 March, the AA seized control of Tamanthar police outpost in Maungdaw Township. Around 100 junta soldiers from the outpost surrendered to the AA.
On 5 April, the AA seized complete control of Light Infantry Battalion-564 based in Buthidaung.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)