Naung Min Thu, Narinjara News, 14 June 2024

Apprehending an imminent attack by the Arakha Army (AA) fighters on Maungdaw town of Arakan State, some militarysenior officers belonging to the 5th border guard police battalion fled to Sittwe bythe military vessels on the night of 12 June, said local residents.

“A military vessel docked at Maungdaw mouth creek andthe local villagers gathered at the POE jetty with the hope to board, but theywere prevented by junta soldiers. Around 10 vehicles from the 5th border guardpolice battalion also arrived at the jetty. The military vessel departed in thenight hours carrying a number of  military officers from 5th border guardbattalion towards Sittwe,” said a Maungdaw resident.

The AA fighters continue occupying military junta'sborder guard camps in south Maungdaw. Lately they took control of Ah Lel ThanKyaw camp on 12 June. Now they are targeting Na Khaung To and Pa Din camps inthe locality.

“After capturing Na Khaung To, Pa Din, Ma Gyee Chaungand Maung Ni camps on the other side of the creek, the AA fighters reached thetown. They also launched an offensive against the 5th border guard policebattalion. That is why the military officers fled,” said a military analyst.

The outposts of the 2nd border guard police battalionlocated in 4-mile were already occupied by the AA fighters. Only the 2nd borderguard police battalion and 5th border guard police battalion based in Myo ThuGyi remain under the control of junta soldiers. The remaining small campsinclude  Ma Gyee Chaung and Maung Ni Chaung Wa Camps.