Improvised rocket attack kills five soldiers including a major in Thandwe

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 26 August 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) on Sunday launched an attack on Maung Shwe Lay naval base in Thandwe township of Arakan State using an improvised rocket. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least five naval personnel, including a major and a sergeant, said a local source close to the navy.

The casualties include major Phyo Maung Maung Win and sergeant Ye Win.

"Soon after their deaths, the bodies were transported to Yangon by a navy vessel, while three others were buried in Kwin Wine navy outpost," added the  source.

Major Phyo Maung Maung Win was recently appointed as commander of Maung Shwe Lay naval base and sergeant Ye Win was  responsible for managing the daily rations.

On 25  August, the improvised rockets were fired on  Maung Shwe Lay naval base resulting in the death of two personnel.

Earlier on 20 July, the same base faced an attack by the improvised rockets, where two navy personnel were killed.

The AA fighters fired improvised rockets at the base on 22 and  23 August. Later the gunfire took place  in between Kyauk Ka Lat and Maung Shwe Lay villages, which are near to the naval base.

They launched an offensive on  Ywar Thar Yar village, which is located between Maung Shwe Lay naval base and Tha Byu Chai jetty.

“The improvised rockets  hit Kwin Wine naval base three times with casualties in every attack. The latest attack resulted in the highest number of casualties,” said another  resident.

Thadar Kyauk pagoda, also known as Western Shwedagon, is just half a mile away from the Maung Shwe Lay naval base, where the battle took place on 17 August. The area remains tense as military activities between the two armed sides continue.

The  AA fighters have already captured LIB (566) battalion, LIB (55) battalion, Ngapali, Thandwe and Gyeik Taw townships.