An interview with PRA-Magway commander Naung Thurein about ongoing fighting on Ann-Pa Dan road
The People’s Revolution Alliance (PRA-Magway) is an armed force attempting to control the strategically crucial section of Ann-Pa Dan road, which connects Magway Region, Arakan State, and Chin State for the military council.
The PRA-Magway is conducting joint military operations in alliance with multiple armed groups, including the Arakha Army (AA), Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), Student Armed Force (SAF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Yaw Defense Force (YDF), Chinland Defense Force-Asho (CDF-Asho), and Asho Chin Defense Force (ACDF).
The Ann-Pa Dan road provides the shortest route to the mainland from the Bay of Bengal in the Arakan coastal region. In light of the military significance of this road, Shanni Voice interviewed Naung Thurein, commander of the PRA-Magway, about the ongoing fighting in the area.
Q: Could you explain the ambush on the Ann-Pa Dan road section on 20 November, where military junta troops were killed, including fresh graduates who had been recruited for training?
A: Yes. A junta column of around 40 soldiers reached our ambush location. When about 25 of them entered the kill zone, we launched our attack. In this attack, we witnessed nine junta troops killed, including a sergeant. According to ground reports, around ten were wounded. We had prior intelligence about training graduates being part of this column, who had been recruited for training.
Q: What is the current situation on the Ann-Pa Dan road section?
A: Currently, the junta troops are reinforcing their security. The enemy is also making sporadic movements. Resistance forces are continuing to conduct ambush attacks.
Q: PRA has said that controlling the Ann-Pa Dan road section as one of its military objectives. Are you close to achieving control at present?
A: Controlling this road section is one of our military objectives. It’s also included in our statement. We are striving for full control the entire road section. I can say we have made a certain level of progress.
Q: From the PRA’s point of view, how significant is this road section for the military council?
A: The Ann-Pa Dan road section is extremely important for the military council. Primarily, it can be described as the lifeline of the Western Command (known locally as Na Pa Kha). We can say it’s critically important for the Western Command. If we can control this road section, we’ll be very close to the junta’s weapon and equipment factories. Also, we can continue to work on controlling the Pathein-Monywa road section. Most importantly, we can now launch ambush attacks on the defense equipment factories (known locally as Ka Pa Sa), which are the enemy’s critical supply lines.
Q: Magway Region has been criticized for being weak in conducting battles compared to other regions. As a Magway-based armed group, could you tell us about the regional military situation, its weaknesses, and strengths?
A: Yes. The region where we operate in is densely forested and has harsh weather conditions. Sometimes military movements can take up to a week. The supply and logistics routes are challenging. So, you could say our movements are not swift.
Q: What else do you want to say about the current regional situation?
A: Currently, the enemy has blocked several routes. There are displaced local residents with pressing needs for food, healthcare, and so on.
Sent by Shanni Voice.
