Min Shin Saw, Narinjara News, 7 October 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of theMel Taung tactical operation command, which is essential for the WesternCommand in Arakan State, according to credible military sources.
The second-largest tactical command in thearea, Mel Taung tactical operation command, is essential to keeping the WesternCommand, headquartered in Ann, from collapsing.
"It is true that Mel Taung has beencaptured. Although the combat has subsided, some escaping junta soldiers arestill being pursued by AA fighters. The bodies of junta soldiers have beenfound, and a sizable cache of guns and ammo has been taken," a militarysource stated.
After five days of fierce offensives by theArakan Army (AA), which started on October 1, the Mel Taung tactical operationcommand was taken on October 5.
After the Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command, thisone is the second most important tactical command. Both are necessary to keepthe Western Command in Ann from collapsing.
The insider said that while battalions located in Annvigorously defended the location with artillery fire, the junta offeredairstrike support to prevent Mel Taung from collapsing.
"Reports from those close to the AA claimthat the capture information is true. The junta soldiers are fleeing, and AAfighters are now undertaking a clearance operation," claimed anotherresident from Ann.
The residentwent on to say that the military junta started carryingout airstrikes in specific regions and villages thought to behousing AA fighters after losing control of the Mel Taung tactical operationcommand. The goal of these actions was to stop the AA offensive fromprogressing in the direction of the Western Command.
"The military junta launched airstrikesalong the Mel mountain range and in the adjacent areas using two fighter jetsto prevent an offensive toward the Western Command after they lost control ofthe Mel Taung tactical operation command. The resident said, "We can alsohear the Western Command firing multiple launch missile systems continuously."
On October 6, the junta was ordered to evacuateseven villages near Mel Taung.
In addition, injuries were sustained whenartillery shells launched by the Arakan Army (AA) struck the G-1 residence andthe Western Command's entrance gate. According to military officials, juntaforces then resumed artillery fire in locations where they thought AA fighterswould be present.
The junta was given the order to evacuate sevencommunities close to Mel Taung on October 6.