Fighting between AA and Burmese Army erupts again in Maungdaw

Narinjara News, 8 February 2022

Gun-fighting in northern Maungdaw township of Arakan State, adjacent to Bangladesh international border, that began on 4 February continued till yesterday night.

The armed members of  Arakan Army (AA) and the Burmese military personnel engaged in clashes for the third time at a place near to Pharwat Chaung village under the township.

The fighting started at around 11 pm on Monday and lasted for around 30 minutes. AA spokesman Khaing Thukha later confirmed the incidents of fighting and also revealed that one AA member was killed as the army personnel launched the offensive on 4 February.

Later on 6  February, another clash broke out when the militaries invaded Letpadaung area, which is 3 kilometre east of previous fighting location Mitake village, added Khaing Thukha. It lasted for more than 3 hours from 3 pm where both sides used light and heavy weapons.

Unconfirmed sources claim that seven Burmese soldiers were killed in clashes, but Narinjara News is yet to authenticate the information.

“If the Burmese army launches another offensive, the fighting would go for a long way. So, it depends on the approach of militaries,” asserted Khaing Thukha.

It may be mentioned that the fighting between AA members and Burmese soldiers came to a halt after the November 2020 national elections as there was an understanding with the group. But it resumed one year later.

Meanwhile, the military government has invited a number of ethnic armed groups, including the AA, for peace talks scheduled for 12 February (75th Diamond Jubilee Union Day). However, many groups have not shown interest to join the initiative.