Narinjara News, 10 December 2024 

In a statement released on December 10, the Arakan Army (AA) announced that more than 450 junta soldiers died during its assault on and takeover of the 5th Border Guard Police Battalion (NaKhaKha-5) in Maungdaw Town. 

The statement claimed, "According to the records and the inventory of bodies retrieved during this offensive, more than 450 junta soldiers lost their lives." 

Along with the casualties, Brigadier General Thurein Tun, who leads the 15th Military Operations Command (MOC-15), and his aide were taken prisoner, together with many junta soldiers and armed terrorist groups.

The statement also mentioned, “Many officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers were detained, including Brigadier General Thurein Tun, who leads the 15th Military Operations Command (MOC-15) in Buthidaung Town, along with Captain Wai Lin Aung, the commander’s personal assistant.” 

Islamic extremist militants, instructed by the junta and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), were also taken as prisoners of war. 

Throughout the offensive, AA fighters effectively executed tactical assaults and synchronized strikes among brigades. 

Arms and munitions were confiscated during the fight. 

The AA had encircled the NaKhaKha-5 battalion for almost two months prior to initiating its assault on October 14, 2024. Following around 55 days of combat, the NaKhaKha-5 battalion was captured on December 8. 

The NaKhaKha-5 battalion, situated in Myo Thu Gyi ward of Maungdaw Town, is a sizable camp that accommodates over 700 junta soldiers. The camp is encircled by two rows of barbed wire with killing fields in between, and in certain areas, trenches up to 20 feet wide were dug, with spikes installed to prevent access. 

The camp has a rectangular design and features over 100 buildings, comprising over 20 bunkers, minor bunkers, and overhead structures on each side. Inside, there are more than 30 substantial, fortified structures.

A stream flows nearly all the way around the camp, forming a natural barrier that hampers crossing. 

AA fighters progressed steadily, initiating an assault on NaKhaKha-5 and removing more than 1,000 M14 mines laid by the junta troops throughout the confrontation. Numerous AA mine-clearance fighters sacrificed their lives and limbs during the operation. 

The Arakan Army (AA) conveyed profound respect for the AA fighters who demonstrated bravery during the intense assault to completely seize the NaKhaKha-5 camp, along with those who gave their lives and bodies.