The Arakan Army (AA) raided a police station in Yoetayoke village of Ponnagyun Township in Arakan State at about 6 p.m. on 11 December, Khaing Thu Kha, spokesperson of the AA, told the DMG.

They attacked Yoetayoke police station because the No.204 Light Infantry Battalion was stationed there, said Khaing Thukha.

“We could make an effective raid. According to the latest information, we heard about 20 people were killed,” he said.

After the attack, both sides exchanged fire. Villagers were anxious from the sounds of gunfire and sought refuge in their homes, locals said.

A local said the roof of an ordination hall was damaged by an artillery shell. The ordination hall is located at west ward of the village.

“We heard that the Tatmadaw fired an artillery shell. The place where fighting occurred is far from the ordination hall. The artillery shell landed on the roof of the ordination hall and exploded, destroying all windows of the building. No one was injured,” the local said.

Locals and Amyotha Hluttaw MP U Khin Maung Latt said Tatmadaw members arrived at the police station about two days ago.

The DMG attempted to contact Colonel Win Zaw Oo, the head of Western Command, for comment but it was unsuccessful.

The AA had attacked Yoetayoke police station on 9 March and killed nine police members.

The AA raided Yoetayoke police station second time saying that the Tatmadaw members have stationed there.