Clashes continue to escalate in four Arakan State townships: AA

By Admin 23 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
23 October 2024, Maungdaw

Tensions between the Myanmar military and Arakkha Army (AA) are running high and clashes between the two sides are reportedly ongoing in four Arakan State townships, the ethnic armed group said in a statement on October 22.

Hostilities between the military and AA are occuring in Maungdaw, Ann and Gwa townships daily and the AA often clashes with the military in Taungup Township as well, according to the statement.

Junta battalions in Sittwe have fired mortar shells into villages in Pauktaw, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships, all held by the AA, without any fighting in the areas, the statement added.

"Kuntaung, Aidin, Sabahtar, Aungmyegon and Kywehtoe villages in Ponnagyun Township suffer most from junta artillery attacks. Previously, some civilians were killed in a regime shelling on Kywehtoe Village. Locals dare not stay in the village," said a resident of Ponnagyun Township.

Residents say the regime's heavy weapons attacks on non-combat areas threaten civilians. Sittwe is currently besieged by the AA and tension between the military and AA is running high.

Junta troops in Kyeintali and Kanthayar towns in Gwa Township, meanwhile, also fire mortar shells into residential areas without any fighting in the area, the AA said.

Fighting broke out in Gwa Township in early August and hostilities have since spread to Thabyuchaung, Kywechaing and Taingkyo villages some 10 miles from Gwa Town, forcing residents to flee.

"We are afraid of the junta's artillery attacks and airstrikes. We don't want to live without arms and legs. Whenever they hear of people dying due to junta shellings and airstrikes, they worry about when it will be their turn," said a resident of Gwa.

Myanmar Navy vessels in the Bay of Bengal have also fired mortar shells and launched drone attacks into civilian areas on a daily basis, the AA statement said.