The Arakan Army (AA) said it retook its old camp from Burma Army within 24-hours of its capture.

 

Tatmadaw troops wrestled the camp near Aung Thasi village, in Rathedaung Township, from AA on October 3. But the ethnic armed organization (EAO) claims it took back the camp in Rakhine State the next day.

 

"With a brave, patriotic spirit and full fighting skills, AA troops launched an offensive operation on the Burma Army at 5:30 p.m. on October 4," an AA statement proclaimed.

 

Tatmadaw reported that the camp was captured at 2:15 p.m. on October 4. And AA said it recaptured it by 10:15 a.m. the next day.

 

According to AA’s statement, the Burma Army began attacking the camp in June using combat helicopters and artillery.

 

A local, who spoke to NMG on condition of anonymity, said villagers had to flee after the Burma Navy fired artillery. "A 70-year-old man was wounded by shrapnel from the artillery. Shells also landed in Pyin Won and Kan Pyin villages, causing more injuries. I don't know the exact number of civilian casualties because I also had to flee. Nowhere is safe for us in Rakhine State."

 

When AA seized its camp back, it claimed that at least 30 Burmese soldiers were killed and that it lost a few men too. When it was captured by Tatmadaw, the EAO lost some weapons and other equipment.

 

AA also fought Tatmadaw on October 4 near May Lum village, located in Minbya Township. A day earlier in the township, the Burma Army attacked AA at three locations.

 

NMG tried to reach out to both sides for comment, but no-one responded.

 

At the time of press, the Tatmadaw Information Team didn't release any news about the fighting in Rathedaung and Minbya townships.