Naung Min Thu,Narinjara News, 27 October 2024

The Arakan Army (AA) has ramped up its last offensive to take over the5th Border Guard Police Battalion (NaKhaKha-5) base in Maungdaw, Arakan State,with fighting getting fiercer.

Peopleliving nearby say the AA's attack to seize the NaKhaKha-5 base is growing moreintense. The junta keeps launching air raids near the battle area to stop thebase from falling.

Earlyon October 27, just after 1:00 am, three fighter jets flew over Maungdaw town.They dropped five bombs around the NaKhaKha-5 base and Shwe Yin Aye village.

"Wedon't know exactly where the bombs hit. But I heard they were aimed at Wi Ma Laand Ah Lel Ywar in town. I can't say if anything was damaged," a localsaid.

Formonths, the AA has been trying to capture the last NaKhaKha-5 base in Maungdawdistrict. Hundreds of junta troops are holed up there. As the fighting goes on,the junta's air force often bombs nearby villages, killing civilians.

Amilitary expert said the NaKhaKha-5 base is a big problem for both the AA andlocal people's lives. He stressed how important it is to fully capture the base.

"Wecan't leave this last base untaken. We must get it all. If a military campstays, it'll mess up everyone's life nearby. Plus, this camp keeps Maungdawfrom being totally secure. So taking this base is a must," the expertexplained.

Thejunta tried to protect the base with air strikes this morning. On October 26,around 5:00 am, they dropped bombs near the NaKhaKha-5 base and in villagesclose by. These included Thar Si Kone, 3-mile, and Wai Thar Li, all about amile from the base.

Sinceearly May, people from these villages have been running from the fighting. Sofar, no one's been hurt.

Localssay the NaKhaKha-5 base also fired lots of shells at the roads into Maungdawtown yesterday morning.