Junta troops retreating from clashes with the Arakha Army (AA) at the Gant Gaw Taung dam near Kyeintali town in Gwa Township, Arakan State, have arrested villagers from Gant Gaw Taung and are using them as human shields, military sources from Gwa said.
A local military source said: “Fighting erupted near the Gant Gaw Taung dam. After suffering heavy losses, the military council retreated and has now arrived in Gant Gaw Taung village. Upon arrival, they arrested all the villagers, especially the young people. Junta soldiers are using the village as a base for their resistance against the AA.”
A military source reported that junta troops, retreating from the battle at Gant Gaw Taung Dam, have launched attacks on the AA from Gant Gaw Taung village after receiving reinforcements.
“Most of the residents of Gant Gaw Taung village are Chin people, with a few Arakan people also living there. Two of the detained underage children were also bound and taken to Kalarpyin village,” he continued.
Among the junta soldiers withdrawing from the battle are some who are injured. These wounded soldiers are being taken to Kalarpyin village.
Residents reported that the battalion based in Gwa, along with the heavy weapons station on Gwa Mountain, is firing both large and small weapons at the combat zones.
Due to reports of villagers from Gant Gaw Taung being arrested, residents of nearby villages have fled to safety, fearing they might also be abducted and used as human shields.
Gant Gaw Taung, New Myat Mingalar and Kyun Pin Chaung villages are loacted near Gant Gaw mountain residetns said.
Since 6 September, the AA has been engaged in fighting with the junta force near Gant Gaw Taung dam near Kyeintali town. Now, the fighting has spread to Gant Gaw Taung village, residents said.
Sent by Narinjara