Battle updates from Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U and Minbya

Intense clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces are going on in six townships of  Rakhine State namely Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Ramree (Yanbye).

Narinjara News has compiled and reported on the battles in Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Rathedaung.

Battle in Rathedaung

There are three battalions namely the 536th, 537^th and  538th light infantry battalions are based in Rathedaung township. The battalion situated near the town is identified as the 537th. Currently, the AA fighters have  initiated attacks on the 536th battalion near Kha Naung Gyi and Kan Pyin villages to the north of Rathedaung township.

Due to the fighting, all residents from Kha Naung Gyi, Kan Pyin, and Ywar Thit Kay villages have fled since yesterday.

Before the fighting began, all Rathedaung residents had fled to safer places. Myoma police station had long been abandoned, according to a local resident.

Battle in  Kyauktaw

Kyauktaw  is home to the 9th military operations command (MOC-9) along with the 374th, 375^th and 376th light infantry battalions. The AA members are currently engaging in attacks on the 374th and 376th battalions. They have penetrated the 376th battalion, located near the Kisspanadi bridge.

Due to the close-range fighting, the junta forces couldn't use artillery shells, resulting in many casualties.

Battle in Mrauk-U

The 377th, 378th and 540th light infantry battalions are stationed  in Mrauk-U. The AA fighters have successfully captured the 540th battalion and the soldiers from this unit joined the 377th and 378th battalions in Baungdwat. Due to the close-range fighting, the junta forces are unable to use artillery shells, putting them in a difficult situation.

The AA members have  surrounded the remaining two battalions (the 377th and 378^th) and it is anticipated that food shortages will soon occur there.

Battle in Minbya

In Minbya, the junta's battalions including the 379th, 380th, 541st, as well as  Kyaing Taung artillery camp are located. The AA has captured the 380th, 541st battalions and Kyaing Taung artillery camp. The 379th battalion is about to fall. Recently, about 30 junta soldiers were sent as reinforcements to support the battalion  and they are actively engaged in its defense.

This morning the junta soldiers carried out airstrikes on Nga Tan Pyin village. They are conducting airstrikes in nearby areas as many senior officers, including the tactical operations commander, are currently trapped in the 379th battalion. Some soldiers are coming to Minbya via navy barges and they are being disembarked at Kywe Sel Pyin village.

Battle in Pauktaw

Following the arson attacks in Pauktaw township, the junta soldiers have withdrawn from the town facing a number of casualties.