Kant Kaw Ni Ni, Narinjara New, 6 June 2024

The Arakha Army (AA) has seized control over the Tha Htayhydropower project and its surrounding areas under Thandwe township of ArakanState, said the residents.

The AA fighters  seized control of these areas following aheavy offensive started on  April 13 against the junta soldiers stationedat Daw Mya, Pa Yit, Yae Kauk, Shwe Hlay, Kyaung Kone, Su Poke Kone and Lin Thivillages near the hydropower project.

"Now there are no junta forces in the entire locality. Thefighting was intense and the junta soldiers eventually retreated. Some of themfled to the mountain. The AA has taken control over the areas," added aresident.

AA commander-in-chief general Twan Mrat Naing also confirmedduring an interview with VOA on 3  June that the junta forces, stationedat Tha Htay hydropower project, retreated taking advantage of the stormy days.

"The fighting continues near Ann's headquarters in centralArakan. In Thandwe, the junta forces stationed at Tha Htay Chaung hydropowerproject took advantage of the weather and retreated," added Twan MratNaing.

During the fighting,  20 locals were killed by the airstrikesand artillery shelling from the junta forces. A dozen houses were alsodestroyed.

The AA fighters continue their offensive towards the 566th lightinfantry battalion in Ngapali town of  Thandwe locality. Since 3 June, theintense fighting has continued at Gawt ward of  Ngapali town too.

The junta soldiers tried to resist the AA offensive by airstrikesand shelling from both the navy and battalions.

A local woman died instantly and several others were injured bythe airstrikes on Sin Gaung village, located one nautical mile away from Gawtward on 4 June.

Thousands of residents from affected villages fled to safer placesas the airstrikes continued.

A local woman informed Narinjara News that the entire Sin Gaungvillage is now deserted. Many villagers died of injuries and a large number ofhouses and other buildings were destroyed by the junta’s violent actions.