Military-AA clash at Kanyinchaung Economic Zone in Maungdaw

By Admin 08 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 May 2024, Maungdaw

Fierce fighting between the military and Arakkha Army (AA) has been ongoing at the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone near Maungdaw, Arakan State, since early morning on May 8, according to local people.

Fighting broke out as the AA launched an attack on junta soldiers stationed in the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone, who fled to Bangladesh but were later repatriated, said a local source.

“Junta soldiers deported from Bangladesh and Muslim militiamen trained by the military are reportedly stationed in the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone. This is the reason why the AA attacks the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone,” the source explained.

The junta’s Myo Thu Gyi Village-based No. 5 Border Guard Force Headquarters and Myanmar Navy vessels in the Naf River fired mortar shells into the scene of fighting, said a resident of Maungdaw.

“The No. 5 Border Guard Force Headquarters and Myanmar Navy vessels in the Naf River fired mortar shells into the scene of fighting. The fighting seems to be fierce,” the source added.

Civilian casualties were reported and some homes burned to the ground as a junta jet fighter dropped several bombs on four villages near the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone following the reported clashes between the military and AA on May 7.

Fierce clashes followed after the regime had sent reinforcements to the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone, where a junta artillery unit is based in recent days.

The AA is stepping up attacks on the junta’s BGF battalions and military camps to control the entire Maungdaw region, with the regime using artillery and warplanes to defend against the AA onslaught.