As AA intercepts Junta soldiers retreating from Kyauktaw Mahamuni Pagoda, a fierce battle breaks out

 Kyauk Taw: A fierce battle erupted this morning when the Arakan Army (AA) intercepted a column of approximately 100 junta soldiers retreating from the historic Mahamuni Pagoda in Kyauktaw Township, according to reports.

At approximately 10 AM, a resident from Thayet Ta Pin village reported, "The fighting is ongoing north of Thayet Ta Pin high school, locally known as the Duwun lake. The battle has been underway since 5 AM this morning."

It is reported that the junta soldiers stationed at the Mahamuni Pagoda in Kyauktaw Township withdrew from their positions at dawn on January 17.

Another resident mentioned, "The soldiers from the pagoda retreated. It's difficult to estimate their numbers. As they crossed over from Nyaung Chaung and reached Thayet Ta Pin village, they encountered the Arakan Army (AA) in a skirmish. My assumption is that they might have headed towards joining the 9th Military Operations Command (MOC-9)."

Residents reported that the fierce fighting persisted until 10 AM this morning, and in response to the junta forces sustaining numerous casualties, the Kyauktaw 376th battalion and MOC-9 were firing artillery shells near the conflict site.

In the initial report, it was mentioned that two brothers from Thayet Ta Pin village in Kyauktaw Township sustained injuries as a result of exploding artillery shells.

Furthermore, residents from nearby villages have also sought refuge elsewhere due to the ongoing fighting, with some taking shelter in bomb shelters.