In recent days, sources report that the military council has been deploying reinforcements as the Arakan Army (AA) launches an offensive to capture Maungdaw on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
On 7 May, three naval vessels, carrying hundreds of soldiers from the junta, docked at the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone jetty within the border trade camp in Maungdaw, according to reliable sources.
“From a distance, it’s hard to estimate their exact strength. However, three naval ships are full of soldiers, along with rations and weapons,” a reliable source said.
On 6 May, the military council shipped more than 400 soldiers and rations to Maungdaw through Kanyin Chaung jetty, eyewitness said.
The military council has increased its reinforcements in Maungdaw following the Arakan Army’s capture of Military Operations Command (MOC)-15, the largest headquarters in Buthidaung, said locals.
“The surge in military presence was primarily observed following the loss of the Buthidaung division. The military council is intensifying its defensive measures to prevent Maungdaw from falling into the hands of the Arakan Armys,” another source said.
Currently, the AA has sezied control of Border Guard Police(BGP)-1 Kyee Kan Pyin, BGP-7 Kyeinchaung, BGP-10 Hla Phoe Khaung and other camps in Maungdaw. The AA is trying hard to capture 4th Mile BGP-2, Myinthlwit, Mawrawaddy BGP-4, Myothugyi BGP-5 and Alethankyaw.
In the border clashes, the military council troops often fled to the Bangladesh. The returning military council troops are also living in the Kanyin Chaung Zone. Fighting between the armed groups is intensifying as the AA continues its offensive.
A local from Maungdaw said: “The AA has blocked and attacked the junta troops in nearby area as the military council is carrying out the supply of rations and soldiers through Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone. Fighting is intensifying. The junta’s navy is firing heavy shells in addition to the shelling from the camps.”
Currently, the AA has seized control of almost all townships in northern Arakan State. Of the three remaining townships, the military council is losing in the ground fighting in Maungdaw and Buthidaung.
An Arakan military affairs analyst said, “Numerous battalions are stationed in Buthidaung and Maungdaw in Arakan State. The significance of these towns lies in their potential impact on Sittwe’s security. Their fall would automatically pose a threat to Sittwe. So, Maungdaw and Buthidaung are continuously being reinforced. Through these regions, the junta leverages these regions to benefit from foreign trade with Bangladesh.”
Locals said that the military council is also deploying military forces from Gwa and Ayeyarwady for the battles in Thandwe in southern Arakan State, through Gwa Township.
AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing said the AA intends to mount its most robust offensive to swiftly seize control of the entire Arakan state. The AA’s efforts are yielding tangible successes on the ground.
sent by Aung Htein (DMG).