Brigadier General Kaung Myat, commander of Taungup-based Military Operations Command-5 (MOC-5) in Arakan State, has fled the area along with around 20 junta soldiers, taking political prisoners—currently on trial and in detention—with him as human shields.
They took approximately 30 prisoners, charged under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act for alleged links to the Arakha Army (AA), and fled through the Rakhine Yoma.
A source close to the AA said, “They fled with prisoners facing trials under Section 17(1). After crossing the Rakhine Mountain range through Kyauktaga village in Taungup, they made their escape.”
After an offensive against Taungup at the end of October 2024, the AA transferred the Prisoners of War (POWs) held at Myoma police station to MOC-5.
After capturing Taungup on 24 November, the AA continued its offensive against MOC-5.
During the intense fighting in the first week of December, Brigadier General Kaung Myat and his group fled, using the political prisoners as human shields.
A person close to the accused said, “Some were killed during the battle to capture MOC-5. Others were arrested and used as human shields. I don’t know if my friend is still alive.”
On 14 December, the AA gained full control of Taungup Township after capturing MOC-5. AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said that the AA is now searching for the fleeing junta soldiers.
Sent by DMG