AA rescues 104 more Pauk Taw locals from the clutches of junta forces

 The Arakan Army (AA) has declared that the second batch of Pauk Taw residents (comprising 104 individuals), who were kidnapped and used as human shields by the junta forces, were rescued.

In a press statement issued on 23 November, the AA claimed that during the battles on 21 & 22 November in Pauk Taw locality, the junta troops lost 48 lives. Moreover, the AA members could capture some weapons and military equipment’s including the drones, it added.

On 16 November, a number of civilians including monks, elderly people, pregnant women and children were kidnapped by the junta forces to use them as human against the AA offensive.

Earlier, on 21 November, the AA rescued 120 hostages. Continuing its mission, the AA members attacked the junta forces and successfully rescued the second batch.

All the rescued individuals are being transported to safer places, added the statement.

On 21 November, the first day of offensive, more than 30 junta soldiers were killed in three places. On the second day, 18 soldiers were neutralised and 18 were injured in three places under Pauk Taw township.

The AA asserted that efforts are being made to ensure the safe release of remaining hostages from the custody of junta soldiers.

Pauk Taw is located about 20 miles east of Sittwe and it has a population of about 30,000. The AA members have been fighting against the Burmese army personnel to bring the town under its control.