Fighting erupts between junta soldiers and AA fighters in Sittwe

Kyaing Hein Lin, Narinjara News, 31 August 2024

Gun fighting erupted between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army (AA) fighters in Sittwe, the capital city of Arakan State.

A military source reported that on 29 August at  around 3 pm, the junta forces engaged in military operations against the AA fighters near Min Hla (also known as Mee Laung) village under the capital region.

“The fighting began as the junta soldiers launched an offensive. They also fired artillery shells and advanced from the river side towards Min Hla village," added the source.

Some battalions in Sittwe fired at least 30 artillery shells. The fighting lasted for hours and later the junta forces retreated after suffering many casualties.

A source close to the AA stated that their initial battle in Sittwe gave them success. Villages like Min Hla, Kin Maw and Wah Bo remain in the vicinity of gun fighting. The  junta also bombed the battle site with a jet fighter at around 3  am on 30 August.

They fired artillery shells and used drones too, which struck Kha Maung Taw village under  Ponnagyun township destroying a monastery and some other houses. The junta soldiers frequently fired artillery on the village causing damages to private buildings.

Currently, the battle is approaching Sittwe causing serious concern for the residents who are now trapped inside.