The Arakan Army (AA) on 2 April  declared an indefinite emergency closureof the vital transportation road linking Ann township of Rakhine State to Padan village under  Ngape township of Magway region in centralMyanmar.

The road closure stems from the military junta'sactivities, including the expansion of forces, troop movement, transportationof food & military equipment and planting landmines along the roadsconnecting Ann with Magway region.

The  AA in a statement mentioned that the road closure was also declareddue to the fighting that erupted along the 60-mile long road.

The fighting between the junta forces and AA fighters broke out on 26 March inareas  between Ann township and Magway region. The clashes are stillcontinuing.

On 26 March, a clash occurred between a 40-membercolumn of junta forces and AA fighters about one mile northeast of Tone Gyivillage under Ngape township. The skirmish lasted for about half an hour,resulting in the killing of four junta soldiers  and injuries to eightothers, said the AA statement on 29 March.

On the same day, another 30-minute skirmish took place between AA fighters anda column of soldiers from the 346th light infantry battalion under 5th militaryoperations command (MOC-5) based in Taungup township and other battalions. Thisclash occurred about one mile west of Lone village under Ann township.

Approximately 15 junta soldiers were killed, 15 othersinjured in the battle. Some arms and ammunition were also seized, stated the AAstatement. Two AA fighters sustained minor injuries.

The AA stated that they have asked the junta soldiersin western command to  surrender, but as of now, they have not done so.

Since the major offensive was launched over fourmonths back, the AA fighters have  captured nine townships includingKyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Myebon in northernRakhine region and Ramree township in the southern part in addition to Paletwatownship of  Chin State.

The AA fighters are now engaged in an offensive against  Buthidaung andMaungdaw townships, as well as Ann where the military junta's western commandis located.