Mizzima
Violent clashes between the military junta and the Arakan Army (AA) have escalated to the doorstep of the Rakhine State capital, with reports indicating a significant assault on the Shwe Min Gan naval base.
According to military sources and local reports, the AA launched a coordinated attack on the base around 9:00 am on 23 March, utilizing heavy weaponry and snipers.
“The naval base at Min Gan was attacked from across the river, from Zawmatat and Ye Yoe Pyin villages. The fighting on 24 March killed around 30 or 40 soldiers. There were about 80 personnel at the base, and the attackers were very close, only about 400 to 500 feet away,” the source said.
The fighting has effectively moved from the outskirts into the inner administrative zones of Sittwe. Clashes are currently concentrated around Shwe Min Gan Port and the Sat Yoe Kya Creek, located just over a mile from the city centre.
Former military officials and residents report that the junta is struggling to maintain its positions due to the difficult terrain and the proximity of AA fighters, who have advanced to within 500 feet of the naval installations. Wounded personnel are reportedly being transported to the 100-bed military hospital in Sittwe.
Fighting in the rural areas of Sittwe Township began on 23 February, with clashes in Shwe Min Gan becoming particularly intense since early March.
The Shwe Min Gan naval base plays a key role in supplying military operations in Sittwe Township via waterways.
During curfew hours, The junta has been reinforcing its troops with large naval vessels under the cover of nightly curfews, often arriving around 8 pm, when civilians are not allowed to be outside, the source added.
In Kyaukphyu Township, fighting is also intensifying in villages near Min Pyin, with the AA reportedly advancing toward naval bases, according to another military source.
“In Kyaukphyu, clashes are intense in the villages of Kyaukpyauk, Wahmaung, and Ngaoak. We expect significant developments before the army’s anniversary on 10 April,” the source said.
The AA is currently active in both Kyaukphyu and Sittwe but has not yet launched attacks on Munaung.
Sittwe hosts a strong military presence, including more than 10 warships and at least 10 battalions, including the Regional Command Headquarters, Infantry Battalions 20, 270, and 232, Light Infantry Battalions 344 and 354, as well as Police Battalions 12 and 36.
Kyaukphyu Township houses key junta military installations, including the Dhanyawady Naval Headquarters, Light Infantry Battalions 542 and 543, Infantry Battalion 34, Police Battalion 32, and the Taungmawgyi Naval Branch.
The Arakan Army currently controls Paletwa in Chin State and 14 townships in Rakhine State.
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