Narinjara News, 30December 2024 

In the Battle of Gwa Town, the junta sent 11 battalions, comprising more than 1,200 troops, to resist the Arakan Army (AA) attack. Nonetheless, over 700 junta troops lost their lives, including the head of the 11th Division, Colonel Than Soe Win, along with multiple battalion leaders.

According to a statement released by the AA today, a significant stash of weapons and ammunition was also confiscated. 

The document, dated 29 December 2024, states: “On 15 December 2024, the Arakan Army (AA) initiated an attack on the 562nd and 563rd light infantry battalions located in Gwa. By midday on 29 December 2024, both battalions had been captured one after the other. 

The AA launched a relentless assault on the 562nd and 563rd light infantry battalions, along with the 4th light infantry battalion from the 66th Division, the 214th, 215th, and 217th light infantry battalions from the 11th Division, and the 36th, 38th, 93rd, 271st, and 308th light infantry battalions from Southwestern Command, which had arrived to support Gwa Town, the statement said. 

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Captured prisoners of war disclosed that the junta forces, commanded by Colonel Than Soe Win along with tactical leaders Colonel Myo Nyunt Oo and Colonel Kyaw Zin Htike, strongly opposed the AA advance. They employed armored vehicles, air and naval assistance, and reinforcements in their defense. According to the statement, Gwa Town, despite these efforts, became the southernmost town in Arakan State to be seized by the AA following a two-week campaign in 2024. 

The junta sent more than 1,200 troops to defend Gwa Town but was eventually overcome by the AA attack. The statement noted that among the casualties were multiple battalion leaders, including Colonel Than Soe Win, along with numerous other soldiers. 

Furthermore, several impaired armored vehicles, military gear, arms, munitions, and many prisoners of war were seized. 

The statement additionally mentioned that during the Gwa Town assault, it is believed that at least 700 junta troops were killed, according to bodies found in the combat zone, accounts from captured prisoners of war, and obtained documents. 

The statement ended by paying tribute to the Arakan fighters who valiantly battled in the fight for Gwa Town, along with those who sacrificed their lives and bodies.