Lu Htet Naing

Narinjara News, 26 May 2024

Nearly 50 dead bodies of junta soldiers have been found floating along Lin Thicreek under  Shwe Hlay bridge in Shwe Hlay village circuit of Thandwe town inArakan State, said local residents.

An eyewitness  informed Narinjara News that thebodies were seen  floating since 25 May.

"Some 20 bodies of junta soldiers were observednear  Shwe Hlay bridge. Many bodies were found on the banks and alsofloating along Lin Thi creek. The Arakan Army (AA) members removed the bodies,” added the eyewitness.

Many  bodies are scattered in private bomb shelters in Lin Thi village,some are on the cell tower hill near Shwe Hlay bridge, some at the intersectionten miles from the hydropower project and some in Kyaung Kone village, whichemit a  foul smell.

"The junta forces are unable to retrieve thebodies. They can't even identify their soldiers. The 566th infantry battalionsuffered the most casualties. The AA fighters are now advancing towards thehydropower project. The junta soldiers  are firing artillery shells,"said a resident.

More than 100 junta soldiers were killed in the battle against the AA fightersin Shwe Hlay sub-township. Lin Thi village alone witnessed over 50 juntacasualties.

Since the morning of 15 May, intense gun fightingbroke out in Lin Thi, Kyaung Kone and Daw Mya villages under  Shwe Hlaysub-township. The AA fighters strategically cut and blocked the ShweHlay-Thandwe road near Nat Taung Maw village. Thus they effectively cutcommunication between the junta soldiers and a nearby battalion in those areas.

The junta soldiers indulged in conducting airstrikesand they were supported by navy personnel with artillery shelling. Over 25  civilians were killed in the battle.

In addition to destruction of many houses, a fewdomestic animals also died in the incident.