- Web Master
- September 29, 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) on 2 April declared an indefinite emergency closure
of the vital transportation road linking Ann township of Rakhine State to
Padan village under Ngape township of Magway region in central
Myanmar.
The road closure stems from the military junta's
activities, including the expansion of forces, troop movement, transportation
of food & military equipment and planting landmines along the roads
connecting Ann with Magway region.
The AA in a statement mentioned that the road closure was also declared
due to the fighting that erupted along the 60-mile long road.
The fighting between the junta forces and AA fighters broke out on 26 March in
areas between Ann township and Magway region. The clashes are still
continuing.
On 26 March, a clash occurred between a 40-member
column of junta forces and AA fighters about one mile northeast of Tone Gyi
village under Ngape township. The skirmish lasted for about half an hour,
resulting in the killing of four junta soldiers and injuries to eight
others, said the AA statement on 29 March.
On the same day, another 30-minute skirmish took place between AA fighters and
a column of soldiers from the 346th light infantry battalion under 5th military
operations command (MOC-5) based in Taungup township and other battalions. This
clash occurred about one mile west of Lone village under Ann township.
Approximately 15 junta soldiers were killed, 15 others
injured in the battle. Some arms and ammunition were also seized, stated the AA
statement. Two AA fighters sustained minor injuries.
The AA stated that they have asked the junta soldiers
in western command to surrender, but as of now, they have not done so.
Since the major offensive was launched over four
months back, the AA fighters have captured nine townships including
Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Myebon in northern
Rakhine region and Ramree township in the southern part in addition to Paletwa
township of Chin State.
The AA fighters are now engaged in an offensive against Buthidaung and
Maungdaw townships, as well as Ann where the military junta's western command
is located.