The Arakan Army (AA) launched an attack on the junta'snavy barge carrying reinforcements to Ramree township of Rakhine State. As thebarge was hit by artillery shells emitting smoke, it  retreated.

On 21 February at around 9 pm, an exchange of fire between the AA fighters and junta forces took place on Kalein Taung rivernear Pyin Chaung Gyi village.

"We heard the sound of artillery shells and smallarms firing  as the navy personnel exchanged fire with AA fighters. Boththe armed sides engaged in skirmish as the barge arrived at Tan Chaung Wa shoreto deliver reinforcements,” said a local resident.

During the clash, the junta forces conductedairstrikes with Y-12 military aircrafts and repeatedly bombed Ramree townshipin an attempt to destroy it.

"There were two Y-12 aircrafts and we heard twodistinct sounds. They dropped six to seven bombs on the town," added theresident.

A source close to the AA reported that after an hourof intense fighting, the navy barge was hit by the artillery shells fired by AAfighters. At around 10:30 pm, the barge began to emit smoke and finallyretreated.

"The navy barge turned back after emitting smoke.The reinforcements could not come ashore and also returned back. The warplanesdropped bombs till  11:30 pm," stated the resident.

In Ramree locality, the junta forces are attempting toreinforce their troops as they face a significant setback. The soldiersfiercely resisted and engaged air fighters to prevent the town from falling.

During the six-day naval battle in Rakhine State from7 to 13 February, the AA fighters managed to destroy a total of five militaryvessels (comprising two barges). Additionally, four other military vessels weredamaged to the extent that those can never be used, asserted the AA in astatement.