Rakhine tensions rise as Arakan Army approaches Myanmar military’s western HQ
The Arakan Army (AA) is edging closer to launching a significant assault on the Western Command headquarters of Myanmar’s military in Rakhine State’s Ann Township, a spokesperson for the ethnic army disclosed.
The AA's strategic moves to isolate this major target are nearing completion, marked by the capture of sections of the critical hilltop base guarding it, The Irrawaddy reported.
Meanwhile, ambushes are impeding the junta's efforts to reinforce the area via land routes, according to resistance fighters.
During the last week of April, the AA and its allies seized control of sections of the Taw Hein hilltop base, which serves as a tactical command centre guarding the Western Command of the Myanmar military.
AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha explained that with the fall of Taw Hein, the Western Command headquarters would be vulnerable to attack.
“We have been attacking Ann from all directions,” Thukha added.
A member of the People’s Independence Army (PIA), an ally of the Arakan Army, reported that outposts guarding Taw Hein base had been overtaken, claiming, “We have so far secured 75 percent of the base.”
Located a few kilometres upstream from Kazukaing village and approximately 32 km northwest of Ann town, Taw Hein base has historically been utilized to shell villages along Darlet Chaung Creek, leading to mass displacement of residents.
In the face of fierce resistance, the Myanmar Junta’s attempts to send reinforcements to its Western Command headquarters have been met with intense fighting, with AA troops ambushing them, making their advancement virtually impossible.
The AA's control has expanded significantly across northern and central Rakhine since launching its offensive against junta troops in November last year.
The current focus is on driving regime forces out of Ann, Taungup, and Thandwe townships in southern Rakhine.
The blockade of the Ann-Padan Road since April 2 has compounded the situation, severing vital trade routes and leading to shortages of essential supplies.
Residents report soaring prices of consumer goods, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, fighting has escalated in Ann and Thandwe townships in southern Rakhine, as well as in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships bordering Bangladesh in northern Rakhine.
The AA has seized control of several towns in Rakhine and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State since November last year, issuing ultimatums to junta commanders and their troops: “Surrender or face combat to the end.”