- Web Master
- October 16, 2024
Kant Kaw Ni Ni
The Arakha Army (AA) has seized control over the Tha Htay
hydropower project and its surrounding areas under Thandwe township of Arakan
State, said the residents.
The AA fighters seized control of these areas following a
heavy offensive started on April 13 against the junta soldiers stationed
at Daw Mya, Pa Yit, Yae Kauk, Shwe Hlay, Kyaung Kone, Su Poke Kone and Lin Thi
villages near the hydropower project.
"Now there are no junta forces in the entire locality. The
fighting was intense and the junta soldiers eventually retreated. Some of them
fled to the mountain. The AA has taken control over the areas," added a
resident.
AA commander-in-chief general Twan Mrat Naing also confirmed
during an interview with VOA on 3 June that the junta forces, stationed
at Tha Htay hydropower project, retreated taking advantage of the stormy days.
"The fighting continues near Ann's headquarters in central
Arakan. In Thandwe, the junta forces stationed at Tha Htay Chaung hydropower
project took advantage of the weather and retreated," added Twan Mrat
Naing.
During the fighting, 20 locals were killed by the airstrikes
and artillery shelling from the junta forces. A dozen houses were also
destroyed.
The AA fighters continue their offensive towards the 566th light
infantry battalion in Ngapali town of Thandwe locality. Since 3 June, the
intense fighting has continued at Gawt ward of Ngapali town too.
The junta soldiers tried to resist the AA offensive by airstrikes
and shelling from both the navy and battalions.
A local woman died instantly and several others were injured by
the airstrikes on Sin Gaung village, located one nautical mile away from Gawt
ward on 4 June.
Thousands of residents from affected villages fled to safer places
as the airstrikes continued.
A local woman informed Narinjara News that the entire Sin Gaung
village is now deserted. Many villagers died of injuries and a large number of
houses and other buildings were destroyed by the junta’s violent actions.