- Web Master
- October 21, 2024
Min Shin Saw, Narinjara News, 7 October 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of the
Mel Taung tactical operation command, which is essential for the Western
Command in Arakan State, according to credible military sources.
The second-largest tactical command in the
area, Mel Taung tactical operation command, is essential to keeping the Western
Command, headquartered in Ann, from collapsing.
"It is true that Mel Taung has been
captured. Although the combat has subsided, some escaping junta soldiers are
still being pursued by AA fighters. The bodies of junta soldiers have been
found, and a sizable cache of guns and ammo has been taken," a military
source stated.
After five days of fierce offensives by the
Arakan Army (AA), which started on October 1, the Mel Taung tactical operation
command was taken on October 5.
After the Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command, this
one is the second most important tactical command. Both are necessary to keep
the Western Command in Ann from collapsing.
The insider said that while battalions located in Ann
vigorously defended the location with artillery fire, the junta offered
airstrike support to prevent Mel Taung from collapsing.
"Reports from those close to the AA claim
that the capture information is true. The junta soldiers are fleeing, and AA
fighters are now undertaking a clearance operation," claimed another
resident from Ann.
The resident
went on to say that the military junta started carrying
out airstrikes in specific regions and villages thought to be
housing AA fighters after losing control of the Mel Taung tactical operation
command. The goal of these actions was to stop the AA offensive from
progressing in the direction of the Western Command.
"The military junta launched airstrikes
along the Mel mountain range and in the adjacent areas using two fighter jets
to prevent an offensive toward the Western Command after they lost control of
the Mel Taung tactical operation command. The resident said, "We can also
hear the Western Command firing multiple launch missile systems continuously."
On October 6, the junta was ordered to evacuate
seven villages near Mel Taung.
In addition, injuries were sustained when
artillery shells launched by the Arakan Army (AA) struck the G-1 residence and
the Western Command's entrance gate. According to military officials, junta
forces then resumed artillery fire in locations where they thought AA fighters
would be present.
The junta was given the order to evacuate seven
communities close to Mel Taung on October 6.