- Web Master
- September 29, 2024
On 21 February at around 9 pm, an exchange of fire
between the AA fighters and junta forces took place on Kalein Taung river
near Pyin Chaung Gyi village.
"We heard the sound of artillery shells and small
arms firing as the navy personnel exchanged fire with AA fighters. Both
the armed sides engaged in skirmish as the barge arrived at Tan Chaung Wa shore
to deliver reinforcements,” said a local resident.
During the clash, the junta forces conducted
airstrikes with Y-12 military aircrafts and repeatedly bombed Ramree township
in an attempt to destroy it.
"There were two Y-12 aircrafts and we heard two
distinct sounds. They dropped six to seven bombs on the town," added the
resident.
A source close to the AA reported that after an hour
of intense fighting, the navy barge was hit by the artillery shells fired by AA
fighters. At around 10:30 pm, the barge began to emit smoke and finally
retreated.
"The navy barge turned back after emitting smoke.
The reinforcements could not come ashore and also returned back. The warplanes
dropped bombs till 11:30 pm," stated the resident.
In Ramree locality, the junta forces are attempting to
reinforce their troops as they face a significant setback. The soldiers
fiercely resisted and engaged air fighters to prevent the town from falling.
During the six-day naval battle in Rakhine State from
7 to 13 February, the AA fighters managed to destroy a total of five military
vessels (comprising two barges). Additionally, four other military vessels were
damaged to the extent that those can never be used, asserted the AA in a
statement.