Narinjara News, 11 April 2024

Three artillery shells, fired by the Arakan Army (AA)fighters, exploded within the western command base in Ann township of RakhineState, said a resident of Ann.

The resident informed Narinjara News that he witnessedartillery shells exploding near the important military headquarters in RakhineState on 9 April at around 7:30 pm.

"Every day, the junta forces are launching artillery shells around Anntownship. They have also been conducting airstrikes and engaging in skirmisheswith the AA fighters. Three artillery shells struck the western command, I haveno details about the damage,” added the resident.

Following the incident, the military sources informedthat some junta soldiers, including officers from the western command, havefled.

"Many soldiers are fleeing while facing the AA fighters. The juntasoldiers in Ann locality are killing time with depression. The exit and entrypoints to Ann township remain closed for many days," he added.

Narinjara News is looking for authenticatedinformation about the incident and trying to communicate with the spokespersonsof both sides.

On 9 April, an artillery shell fired by the 373rdbattalion exploded in Kyaung Phyu Kwin village under Ann township which killed10-year-old Maung San Lin Tun.

Ann residents reported that till 10 am on 10 April,the artillery battalion, 373rd light infantry battalion, one-mile hill andother Ann-based military battalions continued firing artillery shells in Kyaung Phyu Kwin and  nearby villages.