The gunfighting between the Burmese Army personnel andArakan Army (AA) members erupted on Thusday at around 10 am near Abaung Tharvillage, which is about a mile away from Paletwa in south Chin State.

During the fighting, the 289th infantry battalion, based inPaletwa, constantly shelled the area with heavy artillery, informed a Paletwalocal resident.

"The artillery fire continued for some time. Thesecurity forces reportedly faced the AA members,” he added.

Another Paletwa resident said he could hear the sound ofsmall-arms and light-weapons.

"They were firing on each other. So it was a battle. Weeven saw some military vehicles leave the city,” he revealed.

AA spokesman Khaing Thukha and Rakhine State security &border affairs minister colonel Kyaw Thura were contacted several times byNarinjara News, but could not avail respond.

It may be mentioned that the AA has a base near Abaung Tharvillage and the Burmese militaries have also stationed there, said the locals.

On 15 May last year, a Burmese army helicopter was shot bythe AA operated small arms near Thandaung village.