The Arakan Army (AA) said it has seized control of all junta camps and bases including military strategic headquarters, battalions, artillery battalion, logistics battalion and Buthidaung-based battalion under the Regional Operations Command (ROC) (Sittwe) in Buthidaung in Arakan State on 18 May.
It has been over six months since the AA launched an offensive in Arakan State on 13 November 2023.
So far, the AA has captured up to ten townships in its offensive against the junta’s many battalions, divisions and strategic camps in Arakan State and Paletwa area.
Currently, the AA is chasing down junta soldiers who have fled Buthidaung battalions and Muslims soldiers who completed military training. Fighting continues in surrounding Buthidaung town, the AA’s statement said.
The AA has especially warned the public to remain vigilant on military affairs as the junta soldiers are fleeing to the places and villages which are deemed to be safe and to Buthidaung town.
According to the AA’s statement, the AA captured Paletwa town on 14 January, Pauktaw on 19 January, Minbya on 6 February, Kyauktaw on 7 February, MraukU on 9 February, Myebon on 15 February, Ponnagyun on 4 March, Ramree on 11 March, Rathedaung on 17 March and Buthidaung on 18 May.
Fighting continues to intensify as the AA has been conducting offensives to capture Maungdaw, Ann and Thandwe Townships.
Regarding the war in Arakan State, U Pe Than, veteran Arakanese politician said, “The ULA/AA brims with fighting spirit and has confidence. As for the military council, they know that “if they fight, we will fall into the hands of the AA”, so they no longer want to fight. Many junta soldiers have fled. On the whole, the remaining towns in Arakan State will fall one after another.”
The AA has warned that it will continue to conduct offensives against the battalions, divisions and headquarters in Arakan State if they have not yet surrendered.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)