AA launches simultaneous attacks on 12 battalions in Rakhine State

Sittwe: The Arakan Army (AA) has been launching simultaneous attacks on 12 battalions of the junta forces situated in four Rakhine townships and some of those battalions were already captured by the AA fighters, claimed the Three Brotherhood Alliance in a statement issued on 20 January.

The statement also included a photograph of AA vice commander-in-chief Dr Nyo Twan Awng while celebrating the victory of the anti-junta movement in northern Shan State.

The light infantry battalions currently under attack by the AA fighters include the 377th, 378th and 540th units based in Mrauk-U, the 379th, 380th and 541st based in Minbya, the 374th, 375th and 376th based in Kyauktaw and the 536th, 537th and 538th based in Rathedaung townships.

The clashes between the AA fighters and junta forces are escalating in those areas, where the  battalions are stationed, the statement added

Despite the strong defense of junta forces, the AA fighters have already captured some of

the targeted military bases.

According to information obtained by Narinjara News, the specific battalions situated in Mrauk-U, the Minbya-based 379th, 380th and 541st battalions have gone to the AA’s control.

The junta forces are using warplanes and artillery but the AA fighters are determined to capture all battalions.

In the last few days, the AA fighters have completely captured the junta's military bases near Kyauk Tan and Aung Tharzi villages. The military base near Htee Swel village in northern Rathedaung township also fell to the AA.

The clashes are going in the vicinity of Tigyaing township and Sagaing region. The gun fighting continues in Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Rathedaung and Ramree (Yanbye) townships.

In Ann township, the junta forces are conducting airstrikes and artillery shell attacks every day.

On 19 January, the 203rd light infantry battalion, under the junta's 22nd division, located near Kyar Nyo Pyin village of Buthidaung township, fired artillery shells into populated areas. At least 10 artillery shells exploded in the vicinity of Zedi Taung village resulting in the injury of a 13-year-old boy.