Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 21 February 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) intercepted a group of 70 soldiers from the 32nd Police Battalion in Kyaukpyu, Arakan State, which is home to significant Chinese gas and oil pipeline projects. The assault caused casualties among the junta troops and resulted in the capture of arms. 

A military source informed Narinjara News that the AA halted the military convoy conducting an ambush patrol near the three-way junction that connects Thit Pote Taung, Zin Chaung, and Kyaukpyu town in Kyaukpyu Township around midday on February 20. 

"This unit has been performing ambush patrols for a while. It's a law enforcement battalion consisting of approximately 70 troops. The AA initiated an attack, with combat starting at approximately 12 pm and continuing until around 1:00 pm. The 32nd Police Battalion also conducted drone strikes,” stated the source. 

The source revealed that multiple junta soldiers were either killed or wounded in the clashes, and the AA captured firearms and munitions. 

“The junta troops were killed, and one individual, thought to be a military officer, sustained severe injuries and was transported to the 32nd Police Battalion. The AA additionally confiscated a few weapons from them," the source stated. 

The military unit retreated towards the 32nd Police Battalion. 

Moreover, gunshots were noticed close to the Taung Maw Oo naval base at 10 pm last night.

Previously, on the night of January 1, an exchange of gunfire was reported close to the 32nd Police Battalion in Kyaukpyu, site of significant Chinese projects. 

In Kyaukpyu, contrary to its name, the 32nd Police Battalion mainly consists of soldiers, featuring just a handful of police officers.