Two members of the People's Independence Organization/People'sIndependence Army (PIA), who fought alongside the Arakha Army (AA) fighters,were killed during Operation Ann in April, said PIO/PIA.

“The two fallen comrades are Thwin Htoo Aung (aka) Bio, who diedon 25 April and Par Ka Nyaw (aka) Saw Aung Soe Lin, who died on 10 April,” saida PIO/PIA statement.

They  were killed during an intense fighting against thewestern command forces, stationed in Ann township, along with the AA fighters.

The junta soldiers defended the base with rockets and warplanes.But  on 25 April, the AA fighters captured the Taw Hein Taung tacticaloperation command in Ann locality.

As many soldiers fled in disorder, the AA fighters chased them andit resulted in continued fighting, which compelled the residents to flee fromtheir places.

According to the latest information, the battalions stationed inAnn including the western command, are facing the food shortage. The juntaforces are currently being coerced into using the trucks from Magway region fortheir supplies.

The AA fighters and their allied forces have blocked the Ann-Padanroad, raising serious concerns for the vehicles transporting supplies becauseof heightened risk, stated local media reports.