All Buthidaung battalions besieged, AA continues launching offensive

The Arakan Army (AA) has besieged all the battalions in Buthidaung township of Rahine State and has been launching offensives to capture one battalion after another.

An  AA  statement issued on 3 April, said that the AA fighters captured the 552nd light infantry battalion under the Buthidaung-based 15th military operations command (MOC-15) on 25 March despite the joint efforts by junta's army and air force personnel. They have also

launched an offensive against the 564th light infantry battalion under MOC-15 starting from 1 April.

"The fighting continues and battalions based in Buthidaung locality get no reinforcement ong Mayu river. The military battalions in the area cannot even exit through the river. The road connecting Maungdaw is also blocked as the  ongoing conflict has made it difficult for transportation,” said a local resident.

All the battalions in Buthidaung locality are now relying on the airstrikes as they have not received reinforcements.

The AA fighters have captured several military bases and battalions in Buthidaung locality including the 552nd light infantry battalion, Taung Bazar camp, Nwar Yon Taung camp, San Go Taung tactical operation command (near the 31 common pagoda),  Sai Tin bridge and Sai Tin military bases.

The 564th light infantry battalion, currently under attack, is expected to fall very soon.