Families of 372nd battalion & supply unit retreat due to fear of AA offensive

All family members of the 372nd light infantry battalion and supply unit based in Ann township of Rakhine State retreated to the western command, said a local social activist on 27 March.

"The soldiers and all family members of the 372nd light infantry battalion and supply unit retreated to the western command. They also destroyed a small bridge on their way,” he added.

There is intense fighting between the junta forces and  Arakan Army (AA) fighters in Ann township. Due to fear of a potential offensive by the AA fighters, the soldiers and their family members have retreated.

A local resident informed Narinjara News that the fighting took place in Pyaung Thay and Nga Let Kya villages under Ann township since the morning hours. The sound of intense artillery shelling and small arms firing was heard till the  midnight hours.

"We heard the sound of artillery shelling and small arms firing. I cannot confirm whether it came from the direction of the 372nd battalion or elsewhere,” added the resident.

The artillery shells fired by the junta soldiers from one-mile hill landed on  Kha Yan Kyun and Htin Chaung villages.

The 371st light infantry battalion, 372nd light infantry battalion and 373rd light infantry battalion are headquartered in Ann locality and now these battalions are merged.

Due to the increasing conflict near the western command, the residents in the town and neighboring villages are fleeing to safer places.