Naung Min Thu, Narinjara News, 9 December 2024 

On December 8, Brigadier General Thurein Tun, the commander of the 15th Military Operations Command, was apprehended by the Arakan Army (AA) alongside over 80 Muslim soldiers, including military officers, after escaping the 5th Border Guard Police Battalion (NaKhaKha-5) in Maungdaw Town.

According to local military sources, the capture occurred at approximately 5:00 pm close to a cashew plantation in Maungdaw. 

Military officers, including Thurein Tun, who commanded Nakhakha 5, escaped and took refuge in a cashew plantation with more than 80 Muslim soldiers.

"The AA conducted a comprehensive search, encircled them, and apprehended them," the source stated. 

The group, made up of roughly 100 soldiers, including Thurein Tun and Muslim troops, had traversed the road from the northern fence right in front of NaKhaKha-5, entered the Zu La Muslim village, and subsequently proceeded into the neighboring cashew farm. According to the source, they intended to flee by boat to the Naf River. 

"They concealed themselves in the cashew farm after their attempt to access the Naf River through the creek from the cashew farm in Kyee Kan Pyin (South) village did not succeed," the source stated.

“Maungdaw Town was significantly held by AA forces, and the AA had restricted entry to Maung Ni, Ma Gyee creek, and Aung Bala creek. They were unable to go anywhere. After fighting in an attempt to reach the Naf River, they surrendered.” 

After the surrender, Thurein Tun and a number of important military officials were taken to a secure place by the AA in a vehicle. 

“Thurein Tun and over 80 Muslim soldiers fought back, but they eventually surrendered because of the AA’s intense assault. I think there will be casualties. They were left with no option but to capitulate, as they were unable to continue fighting," the source stated. “They have now been transported to a secure place by vehicle.” 

On December 8, the Arakan Army released a statement affirming its complete capture of the 5th Border Guard Police Battalion (NaKhaKha-5) in Maungdaw at 9:30 am. 

As junta troops and Muslim soldiers from NaKhaKha-5 abandoned their posts and retreated chaotically, the Arakan Army (AA) is currently chasing them close to Maungdaw Town and alongside the Naf River. 

In reaction to the escaping troops, the AA has enacted a continuous travel restriction along the Naf River on the Arakan State side, starting December 8, to stop the junta forces from entering Bangladesh.