The Arakan Army (AA) members today arrested a junta soldier in Ponna Kyunt, a few miles north of Sittwe, the capital city of Arakan State.

The detainee is from the 550th battalion based in Ponna Kyunt.  He was arrested and handcuffed from  Aung Mingalar lake at around 3 pm on Thursday, a witness informed Narinjara News.

"The soldier was alone at the time of his arrest. He was on his way from  town-areas  to the battalion base. Then he was captured by AA members," added the witness.

Residents said four gunshots were fired from the 550th brigade following the arrest of the military councilman.

As a result, the markets of Ponna Kyunt were closed little earlier and residents were keeping themselves inside homes.

"There were no people on the streets. Everyone was inside their homes. Now the town is almost deserted,” said an eye witness.

Earlier, the AA members arrested two unarmed soldiers of the military council from  Kyauktaw Myoma market area on 11 June.

AA spokesman Khaing Thukha disclosed during a press conference on 14 June  that the junta was arresting AA members and supporters and in retaliation the AA was detaining junta members.

He asserted that if the captured AA members are  released, the military council members will also be freed immediately.

Currently the AA has more than 30,000 members, who control much of localities in Rakhine State. Hence  AA members have to confront the junta forces. The AA enjoys visible public support in the State and it has transformed into a disciplined armed group while resisting the military personnel.