Ma Ei town Liberated from junta forces, AA conducts landmine clearance operations

 On the night of 16 February, the junta soldiers stationed at Ma Ei Myoma police station and Zee Zan Taung military camp withdrew from Ma Ei town.

The local residents told Narinjara News that though the soldiers  are no longer in Ma Ei under Taungup district of  Rakhine State, a good number of landmines remain in the locality.

Now the  Arakan Army (AA) starts the landmine clearance operations there.

 "The AA began clearing landmines at the police station on 19 February. They put many landmines there. A significant number of mines are still there,”  said a resident.

The soldiers also destroyed  Ma Ei bridge, which connects Ma Ei with Pyin Wun. Kyauk Gyi Pauk bridge on Ma Ei-Kyaukphyu road was also destroyed before their departure.

During their retreat, the landmines and artillery shells caused damage to several houses located at the base of Ma Ei bridge. A high school in Ma Ei town was also destroyed.

Currently Zee Zan Taung military camp and Ma Ei Myoma police station are devoid of junta soldiers.

“There are no junta soldiers in Zee Zan Taung, but the landmines are yet to be cleared," added the resident.

Myebon town, situated in Taungup district, includes four urban wards with a population of  over 5,000.

Despite the withdrawal of junta forces, most of the residents are still out of the locality in fear of airstrikes. As the grade 5 and 9 examinations begin on Thursday some  residents have returned back.