After the clashes between the junta forces and ArakanArmy (AA) erupted near the 373rd light infantry battalion base in Ann townshipof Rakhine State on 9 April, the junta soldiers destroyed the Yangon-Ann usingbackhoes.

"A clash took place near the 373rd battalion inclose  proximity to Ywar Thar Yar village. The soldiers at the checkpointnear the battalion are conducting ambushes and patrolling. They have also usedbackhoes to destroy the Sittwe-Ann road near the checkpoint. Previously,pedestrians were checked there. Another checkpoint is set up near the COD depotclose to the western command," said a local resident.

At 2 pm on 9 April in the vicinity of Ann township, the residents heard thesound of artillery shelling from No 757 electrical workshop division and three jet fighters hovered over the town.

Some soldiers stationed in Mel Taung have also joined the western command.

In Ann locality where the western command is located,there has been intense fighting in recent days. On 4 April, the AA fighters andsoldiers clashed near Lone village under the township, resulting in the deathof four soldiers, stated by the AA.