AA Captures Crucial Mel Taung Tactical Operation Command Near Ann's Western Command

Min Shin Saw, Narinjara News, 7 October 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of the Mel Taung tactical operation command, which is essential for the Western Command in Arakan State, according to credible military sources.

The second-largest tactical command in the area, Mel Taung tactical operation command, is essential to keeping the Western Command, headquartered in Ann, from collapsing.

"It is true that Mel Taung has been captured. Although the combat has subsided, some escaping junta soldiers are still being pursued by AA fighters. The bodies of junta soldiers have been found, and a sizable cache of guns and ammo has been taken," a military source stated.

After five days of fierce offensives by the Arakan Army (AA), which started on October 1, the Mel Taung tactical operation command was taken on October 5.

After the Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command, this one is the second most important tactical command. Both are necessary to keep the Western Command in Ann from collapsing.

The insider said that while battalions located in Ann vigorously defended the location with artillery fire, the junta offered airstrike support to prevent Mel Taung from collapsing.

"Reports from those close to the AA claim that the capture information is true. The junta soldiers are fleeing, and AA fighters are now undertaking a clearance operation," claimed another resident from Ann.

The resident went on to say that the military junta started carrying out airstrikes in specific regions and villages thought to be housing AA fighters after losing control of the Mel Taung tactical operation command. The goal of these actions was to stop the AA offensive from progressing in the direction of the Western Command.

"The military junta launched airstrikes along the Mel mountain range and in the adjacent areas using two fighter jets to prevent an offensive toward the Western Command after they lost control of the Mel Taung tactical operation command. The resident said, "We can also hear the Western Command firing multiple launch missile systems continuously."

On October 6, the junta was ordered to evacuate seven villages near Mel Taung.

In addition, injuries were sustained when artillery shells launched by the Arakan Army (AA) struck the G-1 residence and the Western Command's entrance gate. According to military officials, junta forces then resumed artillery fire in locations where they thought AA fighters would be present.

The junta was given the order to evacuate seven communities close to Mel Taung on October 6.