An estimated 1,000 residents of Thandwe in Arakan State are finding it difficult to leave the town for safer areas due to the blockade imposed by the military junta, according to local sources.
Residents remain in the town for various reasons, including financial difficulties and travel restrictions imposed by the junta troops.
A resident of Thandwe said, “The AA (Arakan Army) has advanced further after taking Ngapali. They will reach Thandwe very soon. The residents want to leave the town to avoid being caught in the crossfire. But the junta soldiers only allow people to enter the town but not to leave.”
Immediately after the fall of the junta’s battalions stationed in Ngapali, the AA began its advance on Thandwe. In the meantime, the junta is trying to use the residents as human shields by preventing them from leaving the town.
On the other hand, military council lobbyists are using photos of marketplaces to spread propaganda that Thandwe is peaceful.
“The junta is using civilians to make it difficult for the AA to attack,” said another Thandwe resident.
Currently, the Arakan Army has captured the Ngapali-based Light Infantry Battalion 566 and the Thandwe Airport. The ethnic army is continuing its offensive to capture Infantry Battalion-55.
The military junta defends itself with the IB-55, LID-101, Pakokku-based LB-252 and several other battalions, as well as naval and air support, leading to fierce fighting with the AA.
In Thandwe, about five miles from Ngapali, the junta is reportedly reinforcing the areas surrounding the prison from the air and preparing it as its last line of defense.
U Pe Thein, a veteran Arakanese politician, said the junta continues to defend Thandwe from falling to the AA because the town is of significant economic value and honor to them.
“Taking control of the town would give the ULA/AA more political honor. But for the military council it means a great loss of honor. Losing this area means a great loss of honor as well as political and economic power for the military council, while the ULA/AA can claim victory,” U Pe Than said.
The ULA/AA has described the battle for Thandwe as the most intense and high-stakes urban battle in Arakan State, calling it a difficult fight.
Currently, the AA is also fighting to capture Maungdaw. On 6 July, they captured the Four-Mile Camp of the remaining major junta positions – the Four-Mile Camp of Border Guard Police Battalion-2 and the Myo Thu Gyi Camp of Border Guard Police Battalion-5.
In addition, the AA claims that it has isolated the Western Military Command in Ann, the Military Operations Command-5 in Taungoke, the Regional Operations Command in Sittwe and the Danyawaddy Naval Base in Kyaukphyu, while continuing its attacks on some other junta positions.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
