September 19th, 2022
Time has come for the Arakan Army (AA) to wage a final battle which will determine win or lose due to the AA’s current armed conflicts with the military council, Dr. Nyo Twan Awng, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the AA posted on his social media.
On September 16th, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the AA uploaded posts on his facebook and Telegram questioning the Arakan people “Are you ready”.
Currently, tension continues to mount in Arakan State as the AA is capturing the military council’s camps. In turn, the Myanmar army is conducting a massive offensive against the AA to recapture its camps.
Arakan politicians have assumed that the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the AA instigates the entire Arakan people to cooperate in it as the current fighting is a final battle.
U Pe Than, veteran Arakanese politician said: “It is a very important life-and-death battle. I assume that it is an exhortation for the entire Arakan people to cooperate like the revolution against the Fascist Japan by taking up arms as it is not only a final battle but also a historical duty.”
This post came online just a few days after the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the AA held a talk with the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Mongla.
Regarding Dr. Nyo Twan Awng’s message, U Saw Thein from Tinma village said: “The people living in the villages are required to dig bunkers and keep rations. It is impossible for us to do such preparations at the IDP camps. However, we have to stay here with care. We have to think about how to take cover at the IDP camp. We have to go outside with care. In such a period, other people need to do so.”
Currently, the fighting has intensified between the military council troops and the AA in Maungdaw and Paletwa Townships. The number of the IDPs has increased to nearly 10,000.
Both armed groups are carrying out inspections of inland and water routes.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)