AA fighters clash with junta soldiers in Thandwe township

An intense clash between the junta soldiers and Arakha Army (AA) fighters took place for three consecutive days near Pa Yit, Yae Kauk and Daw Myao villages under Thandwe township in southern Rakhine State, resulting in a number of casualties among the soldiers.

The injured soldiers are now receiving medical treatment at Thandwe hospital, said the local residents.

"The junta soldiers retreated towards Shwe Hlay village. Clashes went on over Pa Yit village mountains. The AA fighters besieged the area prompting the junta forces to call for warplane support. But the warplanes also retreated after the AA offensive. Body of a captain was buried in the Yae Kauk village monastery. When the junta forces attempted to retrieve the bodies, AA fighters opened fire and prevented them from doing so," said a resident of Shwe Hlay village.

A military junta captain was reportedly killed in the clash and his body was buried in the monastery. However, Narinjara News cannot independently confirm the information.

From 22 to 24 April, the clashes occurred between the two armed sides near Pa Yit, Yae Kauk and Daw Mya villages. The junta soldiers were stationed at Tha Htay hydropower project, which is located 10 miles away from these villages.

The junta's tactical operation command at the hydropower project was attacked by the AA fighters from Daw Mya village. The clash along the forest road resulted in the death of 40  soldiers. The injured soldiers were taken to Thandwe hospital in the early hours of 24 April.

"The AA's military strategy is quite effective. While the junta soldiers focused on Daw Mya village, the AA fighters approached from Pa Yit village and launched a close-range attack. Access to the area is restricted and some of the injured personnel were sent to Yangon hospital,” said a Thandwe resident.

The AA has appealed to residents of Daw Mya  and Pa Yit villages to evacuate the conflict zone. Many residents of Kyaung Kone village near Tha Htay hydropower project fled to safer places.