Narinjara News, 27th December 2024 

Combat in Gwa Town, where the Arakan Army (AA) is conducting an offensive, is said to be fierce around the clock. 

A nearby inhabitant from Gwa mentioned, “The combat is severe. The 562nd light infantry battalion is facing an assault from behind by the AA. The ongoing combat is taking place behind the 562nd and 563rd battalions, with fire being exchanged between both sides.“

The resident remarked that the junta has been conducting ongoing airstrikes, resulting in substantial damage to structures and igniting fires in some regions. 

He stated, “The junta carried out airstrikes on the police station, fire station, and local administration office in Gwa Town. They also aimed at residences and locations where they suspected AA fighters could be present. Currently, homes are ablaze in the area close to the 562nd Battalion, and smoke is billowing upward.“

The AA is also carrying out vigorous assaults, employing drones. 

Another resident stated that the junta is conducting airstrikes not only on the urban regions of Gwa Town but also on villages along the AA supply route, resulting in civilian casualties. 

The resident mentioned, “Airstrikes are also being carried out on Ku Toh Lay village and Ya Hai Ku village. On December 25, aerial attacks on Ku Toh Lay village resulted in the deaths of five individuals. Numerous villagers are taking refuge and escaping the conflict. It is now unsafe to travel to the Ayeyarwady Region." 

The junta is also conducting military preparations in the Ayeyarwady Region, with operations occurring not just in Ngathainggyaung but also in Shwethaungyan town. 

He stated, “The 344th artillery battalion in Ngathainggyaung has received reinforcements. Weapons and troops have also been bolstered in the Arakan Mountains. Supplies, soldiers, and arms have been transported by sea from Ma Gyi Sin village to Shwethaungyan, and naval ships have been dispatched to the area.” 

Military experts indicate that the junta is vigorously defending Gwa Town to prevent it from being captured by AA forces, as the struggle for Gwa Town is vital to the future of the Ayeyarwady Region. 

The Arakan Army (AA) declared in a statement on December 21 that Gwa is the sole town left among the four where they executed simultaneous attacks. In the ongoing conflict for Gwa Town, the fascist junta troops are experiencing significant losses each day, retreating from one camp after another as AA fighters ramp up their assaults.