"Conflict Continues Amid Junta's Renewed Attacks, Claims AA Spokesperson U Khaing Thukha"

Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 4 March 2025 

Clashes persist in multiple regions involving the junta's 32nd Police Battalion in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, and Thit Pote Taung, which houses the Dhanyawadi Naval Base. 

A local informant from Kyaukphyu reported, "Junta troops are performing ambush patrols and establishing outposts along the route to Dhanyawadi and the police battalion. They are conducting military operations, and clashes continue in these regions between their forces and the AA.”

A local source reported that the conflict continued following the Arakan Army's attack on March 3 against the junta's ambush patrols and posts near the 32nd Police Battalion in the Gone Chwein sub-township of Kyaukphyu Township and the Thit Pote Taung Dhanyawadi Naval Base. 

A military observer noted that after the AA takes out the outposts and ambush patrol columns, it can directly strike the junta's battalions. To impede the AA’s advancement, the junta is retaliating with artillery shells and drones, while naval ships are also launching artillery to obstruct the assault.

Concerning the current clashes, Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson U Khaing Thukha stated in a voice message: 

"In Kyaukphyu over the last six days, the junta has been mobilizing significant troops to fire heavy artillery, conduct airstrikes, and execute drone assaults on the villages of Si Maw, Kyet Tain, Shauk Chaung, and Saing Chon, leading to ongoing clashes in these regions." 

The local source stated that clashes in Kyaukphyu Township are presently sporadic, with the AA capturing retreating junta troops. 

The battle persisted from midday until evening, characterized by fierce confrontations. 

Kyaukphyu hosts various important military units, such as the 543rd Light Infantry Battalion, 542nd Light Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Battalion, and the 32nd Police Battalion, along with the Dhanyawadi, Taung Maw Oo, and Ohn Kywein Naval Bases. 

On March 1, at daybreak, the Arakan Army (AA) launched an assault on a junta column near the village, igniting Shauk Chaung village close to the Dhanyawadi naval headquarters, compelling the junta forces to withdraw with significant losses. 

Residents from neighboring villages affected by the conflict are worried and moving to safer locations. 

The junta has set up provisional outposts in the villages near the 32nd Police Battalion, Dhanyawadi Naval Headquarters, and Taung Maw Oo Naval Base.