Ann, Maungdaw military bases on the verge of falling

Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command in Ann township and 6-mile border guard outpost in Maungdaw township, both under offensive by Arakha Army (AA) fighters, are on the verge of falling. The junta soldiers are defending these bases engaging warplanes.

A resident of Ann said that since Thingyan, the AA fighters’ offensive against Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command intensified. Now the junta is engaging the army, navy and air force personnel to resist the offensive.

"The base is still under their control. They are conducting airstrikes to defend the base,” added the resident.

During the clash at Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command, the Ann-based battalions fired multiple launch rocket systems and artillery shells. The junta's air force and navy personnel also tried to defend the base.

"The allied forces, including the AA, blocked the Ann-Padan highway. If Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command is captured, the western command in Ann locality will fall naturally. So it will  go under the control of  AA,” explained the resident.

Some of the soldier camps in Dalet Chaung of Ann township were already occupied by the AA fighters.

Since 18 April, a clash between the AA fighters and soldiers was going on in Maungdaw locality. As the clashes moved closer to the 4-mile border guard outpost, the number 2 border guard police battalion responded with airstrikes by two jet fighters.

"The clashes spread from Maungdaw's 6-mile area and it may escalate conflicts near the number 2 border guard battalion. The soldiers conducted airstrikes with two jet fighters primarily targeting the 6-mile and 5-mile areas," stated the resident.

On 18 April, a fierce clash erupted between the AA fighters and junta soldiers at the 6-mile area on Maungdaw-Buthidaung road.

On 17 April, the AA fighters launched seven drone-bombs targeting the number 2 border guard police battalion in 4 mile along with 2 drone-bombs on the number 5 border guard police battalion in Myo Thu Gyi. However, no report of casualties is reported.

The AA fighters are trying to seize control over  Buthidaung-Maungdaw road that spans a distance of 16 miles. The soldiers are implementing various strategies to prevent it from falling into the hands of AA.