Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 17 December 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) has taken control over several areas within the Western Command in Ann, a district city of Arakan, but its full capture has been delayed as some junta officers along with soldiers continue to resist from the tunnels.

“They have been digging tunnels in the Western Command for a long time. Now, some junta soldiers are fighting back from the remaining tunnels. The fighting is still going on. The particular area remains un-captured,” said a resident of Ann.

He informed Narinjara News that the AA fighters are using howitzers and multiple rocket launcher systems, which they seized from the junta soldiers, to target the area.

"The AA fighters are firing with weapons seized from Mel Taung tactical operation command and the junta's military bases. They won't last for a longer period," he added.

Some junta soldiers in the barracks of Western Command are surrendering by raising white flags, who could not withstand the AA offensive and food shortages.

“On 14 December, 30 soldiers in the barracks raised white flags. Before that, about 50 soldiers raised white flags. They also surrendered in different groups,” stated the resident.

The AA fighters have also seized a large volume of arms & ammunition from the Western Command in Ann locality. They also captured many surrendering soldiers.

The local residents also revealed that the junta forces were conducting daily airstrikes near the fighting area and within the Western Command, which damaged many houses  in Auk village, urban wards, Myo Thit ward, and also inside monasteries.