The Arakkha Army (AA) seized a junta camp and a junta artillery battalion on Mt. Bagan near Taingkyo Village, part of Arakan State’s Gwa Township, on November 6, according to military sources.

The AA captured the two junta positions near Taingkyo Village, about 17 miles from Gwa, after it clashed fiercely with the military on November 3 and 4.

“The AA clashed with the military two consecutive days. Many homes in the villages were reduced to ashes in the junta airstrike,” said a military source.

Dozens of junta soldiers were killed and many others surrendered to the AA when the ethnic armed group ambushed a 70-strong military contingent heading to the scene of fighting near Taingkyo Village on November 5.

The AA’s offensive has reached Satthwar Village, about 13 miles from Gwa Town. The regime has prepared a defence in Satthwar Village and sent reinforcements from Ayeyarwady Region to the area.

“Satthwar Village is about 13 miles from Gwa Town. If the AA is able to seize Satthwar Village, the ethnic armed group will easily enter Gwa Town,” said a local source.

The regime has also reportedly put Gwa-based Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 562 and 563 under the direct control of its Southwestern Command based in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region. The two battalions were previously under the control of the Western Command in Ann Township, where the AA is also fighting the regime.

Clashes between the military and AA began in Gwa Township on August 8, and thousands of locals have been displaced by the fighting.