Early Tuesday morning, a significant assault was carried out by the Arakha Army in Maungdaw town, located in the northwestern part of Rakhine State, close to the border with Bangladesh.
An assault was launched, focusing on two police headquarters situated on the outskirts of the town.
Following the capture of Buthidaung town by the ethnic army last week, the attack took place. Both towns are situated in the northeastern region of Rakhine, close to its border with Bangladesh. The majority of residents in this area are Rohingya.
According to a military analyst, the Arakha Army (AA) has made significant progress by surrounding the town of Maungdaw from multiple directions.
According to the analyst, the recent loss of two border guard police battalions has opened up an opportunity for AA troops to gain access to Maungdaw.
The headquarters of Battalion No. 5 is located near the entrance of Maungdaw town, next to No. 2 battalion on the Buthidaung-Maungdaw Road to the east of the town. The headquarters of Battalion No. 4 is a significant base situated approximately 16 kilometers to the south of Maungdaw town.
Sources indicate that Brigadier-General Thurein Tun, who leads the 15th Military Operations Command, is responsible for Battalion No. 4.
Early morning airstrikes conducted by military aircraft on Tuesday resulted in the unfortunate loss of life for one civilian and caused injuries to multiple individuals in three villages close to the headquarters of Battalion No. 4.
At approximately 3 a.m. on Tuesday, three villages were targeted by airstrikes carried out by junta jets… A tragic incident occurred in Shwe Baho village, resulting in the immediate loss of life for a young displaced woman, aged 23. A resident of Maungdaw reported that several people were injured because they didn’t have enough time to reach a bomb shelter.
Devastation struck Bawdhikone village as explosions ravaged homes, leaving a trail of destruction and causing severe injuries to a number of innocent civilians.
AA troops are actively pursuing junta soldiers who are attempting to escape from Buthidaung. Buthidaung was taken over by the Arakan Army on May 18.
If the Arakha Army manages to capture Maungdaw, the only town left under the regime’s control in northern Rakhine will be Sittwe, the capital of the state.
Numerous individuals in Sittwe have chosen to leave their residences. The military has imposed a blockade on the city, creating challenges for residents who wish to leave. Additionally, teachers are being compelled to open public schools for the upcoming academic year, commencing in June.
Gaining control of Maungdaw will also grant the Arakha Army authority over the 270-km border with Bangladesh.
The AA has issued a statement urging civilians and international aid agencies in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Thandwe townships to evacuate to safe places in order to avoid being caught in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
The AA is also engaging junta positions between Thandwe and Taungup in southern Rakhine, along with a tactical command base that protects the Myanmar military’s Western Command in Ann Township.
Reports have emerged of civilian casualties in the ongoing conflicts between Taungup and Thandwe townships. The regime’s actions have resulted in indiscriminate artillery and naval bombardment, causing harm to residential areas.
According to a military analyst, the reason why Sittwe and Kyaukphyu have not been attacked by the AA could be due to concerns about potential civilian casualties and destruction if the regime retaliates with heavy naval attacks. If the AA decides to launch an offensive, Sittwe could be its potential target.
Ever since launching an offensive against junta positions in Rakhine State in November last year, the Arakha Army has managed to gain control over more than half of the state, specifically nine out of its 17 townships. In addition, the army has gained control over the neighboring Paletwa Township in Chin State.
