The Arakan Army’s (AA) Rakhine offensive reached the southernmost point of the state on Friday with attacks in Gwa Township bordering Ayeyarwady Region.
The ethnic armed group launched assaults on junta troops deployed at a checkpoint near a bridge in Chinkwin village, Kyeintali sub-township.
Around 70 junta soldiers and militias were deployed at the checkpoint located 48 kilometers south of Thandwe town, and 40 km from Gwa town. Regime forces blew up the bridge twice in July to hamper the AA’s advance, according to residents.
Junta troops fled the Chinkwin checkpoint on Friday, retreating to join colleagues at another bridge 9 km from Chinkwin Bridge.
The regime responded on Saturday evening with at least three airstrikes around the attack site. It is still unclear if there were civilian casualties.
AA forces also used rockets to attack junta troops deployed at a hilltop monastery in Kyeintali town on Saturday, inflicting casualties, said residents. Troops at the position were accused of firing indiscriminately on nearby villages.
A resident said witnesses reported that numerous junta soldiers were killed in the attack.
“I heard that half of the monastery collapsed and many junta soldiers were killed. I was told this by residents who fled after being ordered by regime troops to collect the bodies. The regime responded to the AA attack with ground and naval artillery barrages,” he said.
Another local reported hearing gunfire near Thapan Kwin village at the entrance to Kyeintali town on Saturday morning.
The regime has also fortified Taungup, 64 km north of Thandwe town, according to residents.
AA forces took control of most of Thandwe Township last month after seizing the airport, the 566th Light Infantry Battalion and 55th Infantry Battalion bases, and most of Ngapali Beach.
Taungup town houses the 5th Military Operations Command as well as Light Infantry Battalions 346 and 544. These units have been randomly shelling mountains surrounding the town, said residents. Junta troops have barred people from leaving the town.
“Lately, they have been firing shells continuously,” one resident said. “So, people are afraid and are trying to leave the town, but junta checkpoints are turning them back.”
Junta troops are occupying Taungup University and houses in the town.
Since launching its offensive late last year, the AA has taken control of most of northern Rakhine as well as neighboring Paletwa Township in Chin State.
