Intense fighting between the Arakha Army (AA) and military junta troops is ongoing at Police Battalion 32 in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, with heavy casualties and surrenders among the junta forces, ground sources report.
The AA has been steadily advancing on the Police Battalion 32 since early June. By 14 June, hundreds of junta troops had been killed, with at least 30 captured by the AA, according to a Kyaukphyu resident familiar with the situation on the ground.
“The fighting has been relentless since around 9 June. The AA has also cut off routes for reinforcements. In recent days, the AA has taken at least 30 people—those who surrendered and prisoners of war,” the resident said.
Since late May, the junta has reinforced its police battalion with at least 300 troops and police personnel. Support operations include a column from Dhanyawadi Naval Base, another column stationed between Ma La village (home to a Chinese project) and Ohn Taw village, and a third along the Yangon-Kyaukphyu road.
In addition, junta warships and air support, alongside Light Infantry Battalions 542 and 543 based in Gone Chein village, are firing artillery to defend the position.
“Both the junta’s and the AA’s artillery have been hitting the battalion, causing explosions that have severely damaged buildings inside, including the detention center, meeting hall, and rest areas,” another Kyaukphyu resident reported.
The Police Battalion 32 is located atop Doe Tan Hill, about 200 feet high, surrounded by a brick wall spanning roughly four furlongs.
The compound includes over ten structures, such as staff housing, rest areas, a meeting hall, a guest lodge, and a vehicle parking shed.
Strategically significant, the battalion is approximately four miles from Gone Chein village (where Battalions 542 and 543 are located), seven miles from the Dhanyawadi Naval Base, and just four miles (as the crow flies) from Kyaukphyu town.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).