Naung MinThu, NarinjaraNews, 6 June 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) has completely captured four border guard camps in south Maungdawduring the evening hours of Monday. The  captured bases include three nearKyauk Pan Du village along the Maungdaw-Ah Ngu Maw road on the western borderof Arakan State and Jin Taw camp situated between Kyauk Pan Du and Myin Hlut.

The MyinHlut 9th border guard police battalion is also occupied by the AA fighters,said the residents of Kyauk Pan Du.

"Allthree camps, including the hill-based camp near Kyauk Pan Du village, have beencaptured. Jin Taw camp between Kyauk Pan Du and Myin Hlut has also beencaptured. Myin Hlut 9th border guard police battalion has now beensurrounded," said a source close to the AA.

The MyinHlut 9th border guard police battalion is stationed near Myin Hlut Muslimvillages encompassing 151.2 acres of land. Strategically positioned on theseashore adjacent to the Maungdaw-Ah Ngu Maw road, the battalion also served asa military camp.

Establishedin early 2023, the camp was  the last one built among 10 border guardpolice battalions in Maungdaw district with approximately 300 soldiers, said alocal resident.

"Fromthe road where the military checkpoint is located, it takes about half an hourto ride a motorbike to reach Myin Hlut camp. It's almost like a bustling towninside with karaoke shops and restaurants. The navy officers from vesselsdocked at the sea frequently come here to relax. The new fence surrounding thesea is approximately 20 feet tall and it extends all the way to Kyauk Pandubeach," he added.

The intensefighting near Kyauk Pan Du in south Maungdaw prompted the junta’s navypersonnel to fire artillery shells and conduct airstrikes using jet fightersand Y12 aircraft regularly. Many residents fled their places out of fear.

The fghtingin the Maungdaw region ceased for more than a week now, but on 2 June itresumed in the northern and southern parts of Maungdaw.