Lu HtetNaing, Narinjara News, 15 August 2024

After anintense fighting in Kyeintali town of Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA)fighters captured the town as the junta forces retreated on 14 August. By thenthey lost a number of soldiers in the battle.

The AAfighters launched the offensive on Kyeintali under Gwa township on the eveningof 10 August. The junta soldiers, supported by the navy and air forcepersonnel, resisted for some time but finally they moved back.

"Yes,they retreated. There were many casualties on their side," said a residentof Gwa.

Thefighting began on 11 August and after days of clashes the junta soldiersretreated along the road to Yadanar Myaing and Kan Thar Yar area.

An officialfrom a relief group disclosed that they saw some soldiers moving along theroad.

“Theygathered at the town’s exit point and waited for additional troops. There were casualties among the soldiers,” he added.

The juntasoldiers  carrying arms & ammunition retreated  towards Satthwavillage.

"Atleast four military vehicles left towards Satthwa village,” said an eyewitness.

Manycivilians were trapped in Kyeintali and some of them were also killed as thejunta forces fired indiscriminately.

Althoughthe Kyeintali residents were warned to evacuate, many did not move and thusremained trapped in their paces.

The junta'sairstrikes and artillery shelling fully damaged  the Kyeintali policestation, municipal office, electricity office, high school, etc.

Now theresidents of Kaing Khon and Satthwa villages, located between Gwa and Kyeintalitowns, are asked to  evacuate as early as possible.