Intense Fighting Erupts Near Ann Town

Maung Sar Ga, 11 October 2024

Intense fighting is ongoing between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military junta near Ann Town in Arakan State, located just two miles from the Western Command.

A local military source reported fierce clashes between both sides from approximately 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on October 10, involving an exchange of artillery shells and small arms fire.

"The fighting was intense, with both artillery shells and small arms fire. Even now, we can often hear explosions in the military buildings in Ann Town as the AA continues to fire," the source stated.

The source added that the AA is launching an offensive against military installations, including the Western Command, the 372nd Light Infantry Battalion, and the 373rd Light Infantry Battalion in Ann Town. This offensive is being conducted from the mountains near Kyaung Phyu Kwin village and Ywar Thar Yar village, situated about two miles from the Western Command.

"The junta is resisting with airstrikes and a large number of ground forces. They are desperately trying to prevent the fall of both the town and the Western Command," the source explained.

Another military source confirmed that intense fighting is occurring about two miles from the Western Command in Ann Town.

“If the junta forces attempt to launch an offensive, the AA fighters open fire. They can’t come out. AA fighters are also trying to enter,” the source said.

On October 7, the AA issued a statement confirming it had fully captured the Mel Taung tactical operation command, located approximately 14 kilometers from the Western Command in Ann Town, along with all surrounding military bases by that evening.

The source informed Narinjara News that, following the capture of the Mel Taung tactical operation command, there are no longer any outposts within the Western Command. Reports are surfacing that the junta plans to conduct airstrikes and clear the area within a five-mile radius of the Western Command.

“There are reports emerging that they will conduct airstrikes within a five-mile radius of Ann to clear the area. These airstrikes may occur within one or two days,” the source indicated.

Residents of villages such as Kyauk Sa Kwe, Ywar Thar Yar, and Mel Taung, located in areas expected to be targeted by airstrikes, have already fled their homes due to the ongoing conflict.

A military source reported that the junta forces have repeatedly conducted airstrikes near the Ann-based 373rd Light Infantry Battalion, Air Defense Forces, Medical Corps, and SaYaPha.

Residents noted that the area around Ann Town is currently filled with the sounds of bombs, artillery, machine guns, and small arms fire.

After the capture of the Mel Taung tactical operation command, family members of junta soldiers stationed at the Western Command were evacuated by vehicle to the mainland, starting on the morning of October 8.

Eyewitnesses reported that they crossed the Ann-Padan road, heading towards Minbu and Magwe.

 Social networks of junta lobbyists are also reporting that family members from the Western Command have reached a safe area.

The Arakan Army (AA) previously captured the Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command, which protects the Western Command, on June 23. Additionally, the AA seized the Swel Taung tactical operation command, located on the opposite side of Taw Hein Taung.