AA declares emergency closure of Ann-Padan road linking Rakhine to central Myanmar

The Arakan Army (AA) on 2 April  declared an indefinite emergency closure of the vital transportation road linking Ann township of Rakhine State to  Padan village under  Ngape township of Magway region in central Myanmar.

The road closure stems from the military junta's activities, including the expansion of forces, troop movement, transportation of food & military equipment and planting landmines along the roads connecting Ann with Magway region.

The  AA in a statement mentioned that the road closure was also declared due to the fighting that erupted along the 60-mile long road.

The fighting between the junta forces and AA fighters broke out on 26 March in areas  between Ann township and Magway region. The clashes are still continuing.

On 26 March, a clash occurred between a 40-member column of junta forces and AA fighters about one mile northeast of Tone Gyi village under Ngape township. The skirmish lasted for about half an hour, resulting in the killing of four junta soldiers  and injuries to eight others, said the AA statement on 29 March.

On the same day, another 30-minute skirmish took place between AA fighters and a column of soldiers from the 346th light infantry battalion under 5th military operations command (MOC-5) based in Taungup township and other battalions. This clash occurred about one mile west of Lone village under Ann township.

Approximately 15 junta soldiers were killed, 15 others injured in the battle. Some arms and ammunition were also seized, stated the AA statement. Two AA fighters sustained minor injuries.

The AA stated that they have asked the junta soldiers in western command to  surrender, but as of now, they have not done so.

Since the major offensive was launched over four months back, the AA fighters have  captured nine townships including Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Myebon in northern Rakhine region and Ramree township in the southern part in addition to Paletwa township of  Chin State.

The AA fighters are now engaged in an offensive against  Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, as well as Ann where the military junta's western command is located.