The Arakan Army (AA) has captured Pauktaw town, 16miles east of State’s capital Sittwe, after intense clashes.

On 19 January, the soldiers from Pauktaw were summonedto withdraw by the junta's navy barges. However, the AA fighters launched anattack from the land, preventing the barges from landing. As a result, a numberof soldiers lost their lives and over 70 surrendered.

"The  navy barges tried to bring thesoldiers, but they couldn't do so as the AA fighters started firing from theland. There was a fierce gun battle during the night hours. Many soldiers werekilled and  70 surrendered,” said a reliable source.

The source also added that  the soldiers fled indisarray and they were chased through creeks and ditches.

The junta forces used military helicopters, jetfighters, and navy personnel relentlessly to prevent Pauktaw from falling tothe AA’s control, but they failed.

A Sittwe resident informed that he could hear thesound of  artillery shells and small arms exchanges at around 2 am. The Sittwe number 12 police battalion responded by firing artillery shellstowards Pauktaw at 4 am.

“During the night, I heard an airplane flying. Therewere also drones also in the air. There was noise, but the situation in themorning turned quiet,” he added.

On 19 January, there were reports of intense fightingin the Pauktaw urban areas.

Efforts are still underway to contact AA spokespersonU Khaing Thukha to confirm the report of Pauktaw’s failure as well as theRussian snipers.