Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 04 December 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) has launched an attack on the final remaining Western Command, a crucial strategic military headquarters in the western region of Myanmar, after seizing all other battalions, units, and mountain camps in Ann Town, as per local military reports. 

A male citizen of Ann informed Narinjara News that the AA initiated its assault on the Western Command at approximately 1:00 pm on December 3, causing damage to the barracks within the command from artillery shells fired by the AA.

"The AA commenced an offensive against the Western Command at 1:00 pm today. Intense gunfire continues, and several barracks in the command have suffered damage. Reports suggest that the combat is fierce,” the resident stated.

The AA has allegedly seized the remaining battalions and units, which include the 946th Garrison Engineering Corps, 371st and 372nd Light Infantry Battalions, the No. 757/2 Electrical Corps, 926th Supply and Transport Corps, No. 9 Signal Security Battalion, No. 8 Signal Corps, No. 10 Military Police Division, and the 919th Battlefield Engineering Battalion. 

On November 29, the AA seized three more camps protecting the Western Command in Ann Town, prompting junta soldiers to withdraw into the command, incurring significant losses. 

At present, hostilities have extended to the Western Command, with the AA reportedly seizing much of Ann Town’s urban territory, including the Ann Myoma police station, as per local inhabitants. 

Another male resident informed Narinjara News that the junta had bolstered ground forces by carrying out airstrikes on the town's outskirts, close to previous battalion locations, and near the Western Command. 

"The junta is backing ground troops with aerial bombardments.  In Ann, only the Western Command is left, which explains their fierce resistance. They have additionally strengthened their military presence in that area," he stated. 

There are reports indicating that numerous junta soldiers, including the commander of tactical operations, surrendered to the AA during the conflict in Ann. Nonetheless, Narinjara News has not managed to verify this independently. 

In the Western Command, junta troops withdrawing from the Ann Township battalions are joining forces with reinforcements from the mainland to resist the AA offensive.