Lu Htet Naing, narinjara news, 18 January 2025 

Local residents report that fierce clashes have erupted between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta troops in Baw Mi Village, Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, with airstrikes being conducted by the junta. 

A military source from the area reported that clashes first erupted on January 16 at Hnget Pyaw Mountain close to Ma Gyi Zin, Shwe Thaung Yan Town, located in Pathein Township. Intense fighting persisted on the morning of January 17 at the upper section of the creek in Baw Mi Village. 

Unable to endure the ground assault initiated by the AA and resistance groups along the coastal route, the junta carried out airstrikes on Baw Mi Village, leveling numerous houses. 

The regional military source stated, “The junta is carrying out airstrikes following the AA's entry into Baw Mi Village. Smoke is ascending from the vicinity, and homes have sustained damage. The combat is occurring at the creek's source in Baw Mi Village, located near Thabaung. The atmosphere is still tense, and we now know that the junta troops are withdrawing.“

At present, the junta has fortified defenses in Wet Thay, Ta Pin Maw, and Tha Pot Kan villages by the coast, in collaboration with the army, navy, and air force. 

The continuous conflict in Baw Mi Village has compelled locals from surrounding areas, such as Thel Kyin, Poe Laung, Kyun Chaung, Wet Thay, Tha Pot Kan, Thel Kone, and Ohn Chaung, to abandon their houses. 

A male resident commented, “The circumstances are critical. The junta has pulled back to Shwe Thaung Yan, while the AA is moving forward with intensity. It appears to be progressing from both the ocean and the interior. At present, the junta's airstrikes have inflicted considerable harm in Ma Gyi Zin and Baw Mi.“

Baw Mi Village, the site of the fiercest fighting at present, is situated roughly 20 miles from Shwe Thaung Yan Town and can be reached via land and waterways. 

Moreover, Shwe Thaung Yan Town is located approximately 40 miles from Pathein, which is the headquarters of the junta's Southwestern Command. 

A local military source reports that the junta's Ta Pin Maw artillery battalion is located between Baw Mi and Shwe Thaung Yan, with additional  junta battalions deployed in Wet Thay and Tha Pot Kan villages. 

Local inhabitants report that the junta is enduring significant losses in the continuous confrontations in Gwa Town, Arakan State, and Shwe Thaung Yan Township, Ayeyarwady Region.  (Photo- CJ)