Aye MyatKhaing,Narinjara News, 22 June 2024

The ArakhaArmy (AA) intercepted a column of around 160 soldiers advancing from Pyay townin the Magway region to Taungup township of Arakan State. As both armed partiesengaged in clashes, over 60 junta soldiers, including a captain, were killed.

On theafternoon of 20 June, the AA intercepted the column coming down on theTaungup-Pandaung road of  Taungup locality. It followed an intensefighting in between Pet Lel and Nay Pu Taung villages till the next day’smorning.

The AAfighters strategically positioned themselves and intercepted the column. Thecaptain who was killed in the conflict hailed from Guta ward in Taungup.However, Narinjara News can not confirm the information.

Somecasualties were also reported from the AA side.  The junta soldiersstationed at the university premises started firing artillery shells. The 544thbattalion and Tat Oo Taung also engaged in artillery firing. The relentlessairstrikes resulted  in the casualties on AA side, said a local resident.

Earlier,the junta forces expelled the rector and teachers from Taungup University andput artillery inside the campus to face  the AA offensive.

Meanwhile,thousands of local residents fled from their places. Civilian casualties werealso reported from  Taungup locality as the junta soldiers continuouslyfired artillery shells and conducted airstrikes in civilian areas.

On 18 June,a fighter jet from Magway conducted airstrikes near Pan Tin Khone pagoda hilland its  surrounding villages under  Pan Tin sub-township. At least three people, including two women, were killed and many injured in theclashes.