Military council prepares for military action in Kyauk Phyu, Manaung, Thandwe, Taungup and Gwa

The military council has prepared for military actions in major townships like Kyauk Phyu, Manaung, Thandwe, Taungup and Gwa where battles are yet to be taken place, said a press release issued on 55th day of Operation 1027 by Three Brotherhood Alliance at 11:50 pm on Wednesday.

The statement highlighted that the military preparations, artillery shelling and forceful arrests of people by the junta forces have intensified in those Rakhine townships.

Regarding the first clash between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army (AA) members on 18 December at Ramree island, the enemy forces were employing 'Four Cuts' strategy to suppress the civilian population on Ramree (Yanbye) township and its nearby villages, added the statement.

On 20 December, the clashes erupted in Ramree, Taungup, Ann and Pauktaw townships, where the AA operates.

As the conflict in Pauktaw intensified, the soldiers reinforced their presence by the sea water.

On 20 December at approximately 3:30 pm, two landing craft mechanized (LCM) vehicles of the military council were stationed near Nan Tet Kyun village. Later they advanced towards the township trough Pauktaw river and started firing artillery shells and small arms into the town for nearly 10 minutes.

The same day evening, the military council’s 542nd light infantry battalion, which is stationed in Kyauk Phyu township, fired 11 artillery shells. Subsequently, at around 8 pm, the junta soldiers
from the 34th light infantry battalion (stationed in Nga La Pwayt ward) fired at least 8 times with small arms.

Furthermore, at around 9:40 pm, when the area was quiet, around  40 policemen under the military council intentionally cut off the electricity. Later they entered the residential areas under the
pretext of checking the overnight guest lists, mentioned  the statement.

Photo by RFA

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