Fighting has broken out between military junta troops and the Arakha Army (AA) in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, where Chinese investments are based, according to local residents.
The clash occurred around noon on 20 February near the junction of Zaing Chaung and Thit Poke Taung, lasting about half an hour when junta troops on patrol encountered AA troops.
“The fighting happened yesterday around 12 o’clock. It lasted about half an hour. It started when junta soldiers coming down from the police battalion on Doe Tan Mountain near Pyaing Sayt Kay village met AA troops. It wasn’t too intense,” said a local man from Kyaukphyu.
The junta’s Police Battalion No. 32 is stationed on Doe Tan Mountain near Pyaing Sayt Kay village, close to the Zaing Chaung and Thit Poke Taung junction, and is heavily fortified with artillery in defensive positions.
Local sources report that while the AA controls the surrounding areas near Police Battalion No. 32, the recent firefight occurred when they encountered junta troops moving in and out of the battalion base. The junta troops subsequently withdrew after the exchange of fire.
Although fighting has emerged in Kyaukphyu Township, military analysts believe intense battles are unlikely there since the AA is not in a position to launch simultaneous offensives on both Sittwe and Kyaukphyu.
“They’re just maintaining a siege position around Sittwe and Kyaukphyu. Even with yesterday’s encounter, I don’t think they’ll attack both towns simultaneously. Since AA operates in phases, the likelihood of continued fighting in Kyaukphyu remains low,” said CDM Captain Zin Yaw.
Previous clashes between the junta and AA occurred near the Thit Poke Taung junction close to Zaing Chaung village in Kyaukphyu Township on 17 June 2024, and again on 14 March.
While there has not yet been intense fighting in Kyaukphyu, the junta frequently conducts security operations, patrols, and guest registration checks near villages including Gone Chein, Ohn Taw, Ma La Kyun, Pyaing Sayt Kay , and Min Tat Taung near the town.
The junta maintains several bases in Kyaukphyu Township, including the Danyawaddy Naval Base, Taung Maw Gyi sub-naval base, Police Battalion No. 32, and Light Infantry Battalions 542 and 543, and Infantry Battalion 34.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
