AA captures Kyeintali as junta forces retreat after heavy casualties

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 15 August 2024

After an intense fighting in Kyeintali town of Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) fighters captured the town as the junta forces retreated on 14 August. By then they lost a number of soldiers in the battle.

The AA fighters launched the offensive on Kyeintali under Gwa township on the evening of 10 August. The junta soldiers, supported by the navy and air force personnel, resisted for some time but finally they moved back.

"Yes, they retreated. There were many casualties on their side," said a resident of Gwa.

The fighting began on 11 August and after days of clashes the junta soldiers retreated along the road to Yadanar Myaing and Kan Thar Yar area.

An official from a relief group disclosed that they saw some soldiers moving along the road.

“They gathered at the town’s exit point and waited for additional troops. There were  casualties among the soldiers,” he added.

The junta soldiers  carrying arms & ammunition retreated  towards Satthwa village.

"At least four military vehicles left towards Satthwa village,” said an eyewitness.

Many civilians were trapped in Kyeintali and some of them were also killed as the junta forces fired indiscriminately.

Although the Kyeintali residents were warned to evacuate, many did not move and thus remained trapped in their paces.

The junta's airstrikes and artillery shelling fully damaged  the Kyeintali police station, municipal office, electricity office, high school, etc.

Now the residents of Kaing Khon and Satthwa villages, located between Gwa and Kyeintali towns, are asked to  evacuate as early as possible.