Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 24 June 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) has taken over Ma Zin airport atNgapali beach of Thandwe township in Arakan State on Sunday morning, said localand reliable sources.

"The AA fighters staged a feint offensive fromThandwe's Kin Maw road and entered from Pan Chin Pauk Hmo Hin Pyin to seizecontrol of the airport. Their strategy succeeded as the 566th infantrybattalion may fall soon. In Ngapali, the families of soldiers are preparing toevacuate," said a Ngapali resident.

The soldiers stationed at the airport were unable toresist the AA offensive and fled.

"The 55th and 566th battalions were stationed atthe airport together. Some soldiers  died and most of them fled. Those whoescaped regrouped at the 55th battalion. Currently, the AA fighters areattacking the 566th infantry  battalion, located one mile away from theairport,” added the resident.

Despite the joint deployment of the 55th and 566thinfantry battalions and soldiers from Ayeyarwady region at the airport, thejunta soldiers relinquished control due to their inability to resist the AAoffensive.

A local political veteran stated that the capture ofThandwe airport, which is crucial for the military regime, showcases  the ability of AA fighters. He also noted that the 55th and 566th infantrybattalions were on the verge of collapse.

While the AA fighters attacked Ma Zin airport, thejunta soldiers conducted a series of airstrikes on Shwe Kyaung Pyin villagenear Thandwe township, which killed two civilians and destroyed many houses.