Junta forces intensify military preparations in southern Rakhine

The junta is currently engaged in military preparations and deployments in Kyaukphyu, Ramree (Yanbye), Taungup, and Myebon townships in south Rakhine.

A statement, issued by the Three Brotherhood Alliance on 23 January, also outlined various military activities  in the Rakhine region.

The conflicts between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces are continuing in Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Taungup, and Myebon townships, but the intensity of those battles is not as severe as the current fighting going on in Minbya, Kyauktaw, and Mrauk-U townships.

"The AA has revealed its plan to seize the entire Rakhine State including the Paletwa region and the military regime is also gearing up for counter operations in the southern Rakhine townships. In Myebon, we have observed military activities like the bunker constructions at Myoma police station, where both soldiers and police personnel are stationed," said a local resident.

Similarly, major towns like Kyauktaw and Taungup are witnessing heightened military preparations compared to earlier time.

"Military preparation and deployment of forces by the junta continue  in Kyaukphyu, Ramree, Taungup and Myebon townships,” added the Three Brotherhood Alliance statement.

Furthermore, the junta forces in the Rakhine region, even after facing military challenges, have been consistently reinforcing  their strength by the sea and air, suggesting a potential widening of the conflict.

Moreover, reports indicate that intense clashes between the junta forces and  AA fighters are going on in some Rakhine localities. On 23 January, the clashes unfolded between the soldiers and AA fighters in Pauktaw, Minbya, Kyauktaw, and Rathedaung townships.

The junta soldiers, reinforced by the naval ships in Minbya, were also defeated by the AA fighters.

On 23 January at around 7:30 pm, the junta’s 377th light infantry battalion, based in Mrauk-U, deliberately launched artillery shells into the residential urban areas. Some shells landed in Aung Mingalar ward, leading to explosions following which six houses caught fire that lasted for half an hour.

Junta forces also launched artillery shells in Ramree and Ann townships.

Following the capture of many military bases in the Paletwa region by the AA fighters, some soldiers fled to India and after their return they are being readied for deployment on multiple fronts in the Rakhine region. Over 400 former soldiers are reportedly participating in offensives against the AA members across the Rakhine  front, concluded the statement.