Minbya: Minbya township of Rakhine State is on the verge of beingcaptured by the Arakan Army(AA) amid its offensives, where the junta forces have been  engaging in desperate attempt to defending it with aseries of airstrikes.

Starting from 10 January, the AA fighters launched attacks onthe junta'sbattalions based in Minbya locality including the 379th light infantry battalion,380th light infantry battalion and 541st light
infantry battalion along with  Kyaing Taung-based militarycamp.

The intense gun fighting continues till Tuesday.

A local resident informed Narinjara News that the junta forcescarried outmultiple airstrikes starting from 5 am till the evening.

"The soldiers launched airstrikes using a jet fighter inthe morning hoursand continued air raids till the afternoon. The airstrikes persisted throughout theevening. I stopped counting the sound of airstrikes,” added the resident.

According to another resident a fire broke out at Sin Gyi Pyinvillage nearMinbya township at approximately 8 am when Mi-35 military helicopters engaged infiring.

"At around 4 pm yesterday, we heard about intense clashesnear the 379th battalionbehind Kyaing Taung. The bombs were dropped not only in the battle zone but also on the entire town.Additionally,
artillery shells were fired. I observed smoke lingering from thewest of SinGyi Pyin village for quite some time during the morning airstrikes. The soldiers are currentlyengaging jet fighters,” added the resident.

The residents reported that the AA achieved the upper hand overthe soldiersand those battalions were on the brink of collapse. The junta forces employed devastating 500-poundbombs too.

As of now, the AA captured the 380th battalion based in Minbya.The remaining twobattalions are under continuous attacks from the AA fighters.

The  junta is vigorously defending Minbya against the AAfighters by deploying thearmy, navy, and air force personnel.

The ongoing battle has reported a number of casualties includingthat ofmajor Ko Ko Oo from the junta's 61st infantry battalion. A large number of junta soldiersfled the battalion.

Minbya township also witnesses a number of houses damaged by airstrikes and artillery shells.