Fierce clashes have erupted near the Dhanyawaddy Naval Headquarters in Rakhine State, with the military reportedly deploying all three branches of the armed forces – army, navy, and air force to repel a decisive offensive by the Arakan Army (AA).
Military sources report that the fighting is most intense in Zin Chaung, Thaing Chaung, and U-Kin villages, which sit on the strategic road leading to the naval base.
“The fighting is intense in U-Kin and Thaing Chaung villages, which are not far from the naval headquarters, and the military is deploying all three branches – the army, navy, and air force,” the source said.
The Arakan Army (AA) and the Military Commission have stepped up hostilities, with civilians killed after military forces bombed villages in Zin Chaung and Thaing Chaung at around 12:45 pm on 24 January, according to local residents.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed; however, an 80-year-old woman and an elderly man who had been displaced by the fighting were killed, while five others including a nine-month-old baby were injured, according to Rakhine-based Arakan Princess Media (APM).
The Military Commission has been frequently sending reinforcements to Kyaukphyu Township, while the AA has launched heavy attacks on reinforcement routes using heavy weapons, reportedly killing military personnel.
In response, the Military Commission has carried out counter-attacks using jet fighters and drones, according to a source close to the AA.
Beyond Kyaukphyu Township, the AA, together with allied forces, is also engaging junta troops on three fronts along the Rakhine and mainland border.
The AA currently controls 14 towns in Rakhine State, including one town in neighbouring Chin State.
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