The junta soldiers have reportedly abandoned Ma Ei town of  Taungup district in Rakhine State and theydestroyed Ma Ei bridge with a mine attack.

"Soldiers were stationed at Ma Ei Myoma police station andZee San Taungmilitary base in Ma Ei town. This morning, I heard that the soldiers have left. They abandoned thetown and fled with their cars. Theyalso destroyed the bridge with a mine attack," said a local
resident.

The clashes broke out after the Arakan Army (AA) intercepted junta soldiers, who were abandoning the townat around 9:30 pm on 16 Februarynear Kin Chay village.

“We heard about a clash near Kin Chay village. Gunshots wereaudible, followed by thesound of artillery shells,” added the resident.

After the conflict erupted,  junta soldiers destroyed the bridge to prevent the AA fighters from enteringthe town.

Many civilians also sustained injuries and several houses were damaged following the conflicts.

The artillery shells, fired by the soldiers, destroyed several houses near Ma Ei bridge, which connects Ma Eiand Pyin Wun. Some villagers werealso injured.

A young woman resident claimed that she sustained injuries to her hands.

"The roof of my house was destroyed. I didn't know from where the artillery shells were fired. The firstshell hit the house. It was reallybig. My hands sustained injuries,” she added.

She also informed that some houses, belonging to her friends, were alsodamaged.

"Last night, the Ma Ei bridge was destroyed and now the photographs have surfaced in social media toconfirm the destruction,” said anotherresident of Ma Ei.

An eyewitness revealed that since 14 February, the junta began transporting military equipments fromMa Ei to Ann township by helicopters.

On 15 February, a large number of families belonging topolice personnel were alsotransported. Next the helicopters landed not less than five times.