50 bodies of junta soldiers found floating on Lin Thi creek in Thandwe

Lu Htet Naing

Narinjara News, 26 May 2024

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

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

"Some 20 bodies of junta soldiers were observed near  Shwe Hlay bridge. Many bodies were found on the banks and also floating 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 intersection ten miles from the hydropower project and some in Kyaung Kone village, which emit a  foul smell.

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

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

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

The junta soldiers indulged in conducting airstrikes and 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 few domestic animals also died in the incident.