Soon after the Arakha Army
(AA) launched an offensive on 12 May and finally captured two battalions based
in Buthidaung’s entry area and on Nga Kyein Tauk Kyaw road of Rakhine State,
the junta forces started conducting continuous airstrikes using jet fighters.
"Two jet fighters were used to carry out
airstrikes 4 to 5 times. Observing the relentless airstrikes, I apprehend more
than two battalions had already fallen to the AA fighters,” said a local
villager.
Reports emerge that the AA
fighters have captured the 345th and 352nd light infantry battalions stationed
in Buthidaung.
The AA fighters continue launching offensives
against the 345th, 353rd and 535th light infantry battalions along with the
233rd, 234th and 263rd infantry battalions. The 378th artillery battalion,
which is located at the entry point to Buthidaung, also faces attacks.
After capturing the
headquarters of 15th military operations command (MOC-15) and the 551st, 552nd,
564th and 565th light infantry battalions in Buthidaung, the AA fighters
have maintained their offensive to seize all the junta's bases in the locality.
Local residents reported
that the junta soldiers conducted airstrikes with jet fighters in the night
hours too.